Srinagar, Mar 11 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government said on Tuesday that Community Health Centre (CHC) Sumbal in Bandipora district is not feasible for upgradation to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) as per IPHS 2022 norms.
Responding to a question from MLA Hilal Akbar Lone, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that IPHS 2022 guidelines dictate that districts with a population of less than 5 lakh and a functional District Hospital (DH) do not require an SDH.
With Bandipora district’s population below 4 lakh (as per the 2011 Census) and an operational DH Bandipora, the district does not qualify for an additional SDH. However, SDH Davar Gurez has been sanctioned due to its snowbound status, she said.
Itoo further said that 14 health facilities are providing primary healthcare services in the district. She said CHC Sumbal is well-equipped with manpower, medical infrastructure, a dialysis unit, emergency medical equipment, and two 102/108 ambulances, making it a critical healthcare hub in Bandipora.
Higher-level medical facilities such as JVC (SKIMS) Srinagar and District Hospital Bandipora are 21 km and 35 km away, respectively.
To further enhance healthcare services, a Block Public Health Unit (BPHU) is being developed at CHC Sumbal under PM-ABHIM, with tenders already opened and technical evaluations underway, Itoo said, adding that this facility will serve as a vital linkage to higher healthcare institutions.
"Rather than upgrading facilities, the government is prioritising consolidation of existing healthcare institutions, strengthening manpower, infrastructure and service delivery. With over 4,000 healthcare institutions, Jammu and Kashmir is among the top regions in terms of health institution density when compared to larger states and Union Territories," the minister said.
Responding to a question from MLA Ahsan Pardesi, the Health Minister informed that Government Chest Diseases Hospital Srinagar is currently operating a Pulmonary OPD from the Old GB Panth Hospital in Sonwar.
She said basic diagnostic facilities, including Bio-Chemistry Investigations, ECG, and X-ray chest are available at the OPD. CT Scans are conducted once a week to support patient care, she added.
"Kashmir Nursing Home, Sonwar is also providing regular OPD services for the local population, ensuring accessible healthcare facilities in the region," the minister added.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening existing healthcare institutions rather than expanding infrastructure unnecessarily, ensuring efficient and effective medical services across Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)