Pulwama, Dec 15 (KNO): Nearly seven years have passed since its construction began, the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kakapora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district remains far from completion, leaving thousands of residents deprived of essential healthcare facilities.
Locals have urged the authorities to expedite the work and make the hospital operational at the earliest.
The construction of SDH Kakapora was initiated in 2018–19 to provide improved medical services to Kakapora and its adjoining areas, which together comprise nearly 60 villages. However, despite the passage of several years and the expenditure of crores of rupees, the hospital is yet to be made functional.
The residents told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the civil work of the hospital building is almost complete, but the mechanical and allied works have not even started. “This hospital is meant to cater to thousands of people living in around 60 villages. Once functional, it can significantly ease the burden on patients who currently have to travel long distances for treatment,” a local said.
Residents alleged that the project has fallen victim to political interference and administrative apathy. “We have repeatedly appealed to successive governments, including during the LG administration, to pay attention to this vital project. Unfortunately, no concrete steps have been taken so far,” another resident said.
The delay has caused widespread resentment among the people, who say the lack of a functional sub-district hospital forces them to depend on already overburdened district and tertiary care hospitals. “In emergencies, especially for pregnant women, elderly patients and accident victims, the delay in reaching proper medical care can be life-threatening,” said Manzoor Ahmad, a resident of Kakapora.
Health Minister Sakeena Itoo visited the under-construction SDH Kakapora a few months ago. During her visit, she assured the public that the hospital would be made operational within the next few months. However, according to locals, the assurance has remained unfulfilled.
“Her promise has remained just a promise. Due to the slow and uneven release of funds, the hospital has still not been made functional,” residents alleged. If the current pace of work continues, even the next 15 years may not be enough to complete this hospital, they said.
Residents have reiterated their appeal to the government to intervene urgently and ensure the timely release of funds. "The executing agencies must be accountable so that SDH Kakapora can start serving the people for whom it was originally constructed," they said—(KNO)