Jammu, Mar 20 (KNO): Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kangan, Mian Mehar Ali Thursday raised the demand for the upgradation of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Sonamarg.
As per the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), he highlighted the significance of Sonamarg as a major tourist destination and an important en-route health facility for the Amarnath Yatra, the MLA sought clarity on steps taken to enhance the healthcare infrastructure in the area.
In today's assembly Session, Mian Mehar Ali questioned whether the government acknowledges the strategic importance of Sonamarg and, if so, what measures have been initiated to allocate special grants for upgrading PHC Sonamarg to the next level. He emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and healthcare facilities to cater to both tourists and locals, given the heavy footfall during peak seasons.
In response, the government stated that while Sonamarg is a key tourist hub and an essential stop for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, the official base camp is Baltal. It was highlighted that a semi-permanent 100-bedded hospital has already been developed at Baltal under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to provide medical support during the Yatra.
Regarding PHC Sonamarg, the government informed the House that it currently operates as a 10-bedded facility equipped with a minor operation theatre, general ward, labor room, and laboratory services. Although it serves as a critical healthcare unit along the Amarnath Yatra route, it does not meet the criteria for full-scale upgradation as per the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS-2022) norms.
However, the government assured that during peak tourist seasons and the Yatra period, additional manpower, advanced medical equipment, and essential drug supplies are temporarily reinforced to manage the increased healthcare demand.
The demand for permanent upgradation of PHC Sonamarg remains a significant concern for the local population, and Mian Mehar Ali’s intervention has once again brought the issue into focus. The matter is expected to be discussed further in the Assembly, with stakeholders hoping for a long-term solution to improve healthcare access in the region—(KNO)