Srinagar, Oct 30 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said there are no current proposals for the construction of a Trauma Hospital in Magam or on Gulmarg Road. It further added that there are also no plans to create new doctor positions for the Sub District Hospital (SDH) in Beerwah.
Responding to a question by MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), stated in a written reply that, at present, there are no proposals for building a Trauma Hospital in Magam or Narbal Road.
"The department is constantly working to undertake developmental projects to improve healthcare services, subject to feasibility, suitability, and after consultation with all stakeholders, including public representatives," she added.
Regarding the creation of new doctor positions for SDH Beerwah, the minister clarified that there are no such proposals currently under consideration. However, she said that improving healthcare services is an ongoing process, and the department is prioritising improvements in a phased manner.
Itoo said the department is committed to strengthening existing healthcare facilities through manpower enhancement and digital initiatives, such as e-Sanjeevani and telemedicine, implemented via a well-structured hub-and-spoke model. She also clarified that the department is not actively planning to upgrade Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) to higher levels at this time.
Currently, Jammu and Kashmir is focusing on consolidating its existing healthcare infrastructure, which includes around 4,000 health institutes across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
According to a 2023 report by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, J&K ranks among the top states/UTs in health institution density, with approximately one health institution for every 3,500 people, compared to the national average of one per 6,000—(KNO)