Srinagar, Mar 06 (KNO): The limited working season is the primary reason behind the incomplete construction of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in the Keran area of Kupwara district, the government said on Wednesday.
Replying to a question from National Conference (NC) leader Mir Saifullah, Health Minister Sakina Itoo, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the existing hospital building of PHC Keran is currently under construction, which is why it may appear dilapidated. She said the ground floor has already been completed, and work on the first floor is in progress and will be completed soon.
"The department is making every effort to finish construction; however, due to the limited working season caused by natural factors such as snowfall and severe cold, progress has been impacted," she said.
The minister assured that the Government Hospital Keran has sufficient medical and paramedical staff to ensure essential healthcare services for the people in the area. However, 19 positions for medical officers and paramedics remain vacant at PHC Keran.
"Recently, in November 2024, 365 Medical Officers were appointed in the J&K Health & Family Welfare (Gazetted) Services. Out of these, 44 were posted in far-flung health institutes of District Kupwara, strengthening healthcare facilities at the grassroots level," Itoo added.
Responding to a question from MLA Kathua, Dr Bharat Bhusan, the health minister said that the Sub District Hospital Nagri is operational, with nine doctors, including a Consultant in Medicine, Medical Officers, and a Dental Surgeon.
"Four more doctors from the National Health Mission (NHM) have been posted in Block Parole, which has further strengthened healthcare services in the area. However, some consultant posts remain vacant, and efforts are underway to fill them. These positions will be referred to the recruiting agency for appointment soon," she said.
Responding to MLA Hazratbal, Salman Sagar’s question, Itoo said the construction of PHC Burzuhama was initiated in 2013-14 under the State Sector Capex Budget at an estimated cost of Rs 179.00 lakhs. However, only Rs 17.00 lakhs were released before the project faced objections from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), as the proposed site falls under their jurisdiction, she informed.
"The Intizamia Committee Burzuhama offered a piece of Auqaf land as an alternative site. The issue was taken up with the Revenue Authority (Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar) for transferring the identified land to the Health & Medical Education Department. Communications regarding this have been made in 2016, 2018, 2019, and again in 2024. However, the land has not yet been transferred," she added.
Itoo said the department would explore the possibility of constructing the health centre at an alternate site and secure the necessary funding for its timely execution.
Replying to a question from MLA Pattan, Javid Riyaz, the health minister provided an update on the construction of hospital buildings for NTPHC Khanpeth and NTPHC Mamoosa.
The construction of NTPHC Khanpeth began in 2019-20 under Capex, with Rs. 52.00 lakhs spent so far. The building is completed up to the lintel level, but work is currently halted due to non-clearance of past liabilities for untendered work by the executing agency (J&K Housing Board).
The construction of NTPHC Mamoosa also began in 2019-20 under Capex, with Rs. 310.00 lakhs incurred so far, including Rs. 13.60 lakhs spent during 2024-25. The building is 95% complete.
Itoo said both NTPHC Khanpeth and NTPHC Mamoosa are currently functioning from rented accommodations.
"The building for NTPHC Mamoosa is targeted for completion by March 2025 and is expected to be available in the next financial year for shifting of services," she added—(KNO)