Project ahead of schedule, handover soon’
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 5: The 200-bedded additional hospital block at the Associated Hospital of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara is likely to be completed by June-July this year, officials said.
Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Handwara, Er. Farooq Ahmad Shah said the construction is on track and nearing completion. He noted that the project is progressing ahead of schedule and will soon be handed over to the hospital administration.
“Work on the additional block is progressing smoothly, and we expect to complete and hand it over by June or July,” he said, adding that the department has surpassed several targets set for the previous year due to efficient execution.
The Public Works Department (R&B) Division Handwara, which is executing the project, said the new block is part of a broader push to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Once completed, the facility will add to the already functional 200-bedded hospital at the site, effectively doubling the bed capacity and expanding patient care services.
Officials said the overall project is estimated at around Rs 250 crore, which also includes Rs 5 crore worth of residential quarters for staff and other allied works being carried out simultaneously.
Allied works such as an oxygen generation plant, storage facilities, and a parking area are also being developed and are expected to be completed within the current year, officials said.
The G+4 hospital block, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 60 crore, will house advanced wards, four operation theatres, and other facilities aimed at enhancing surgical care.
Meanwhile, the department has kept its teams ready for the possible relocation of GMC Handwara, as the Government is currently reviewing the location of the medical college. A final decision in this regard is expected to be taken by the Council of Ministers soon.
Locals have welcomed the development, saying the increased capacity will accommodate more patients and reduce the need to travel outside the district for treatment.
“Patients from Kupwara often have to go to Srinagar for specialised care. This expansion will be a big relief,” said Muhammad Ramzan, a resident of Handwara.
Another local, Mehraj-ud-Din, said the improved infrastructure would particularly benefit people in far-flung areas by improving access to specialists.
“For those living in border villages, timely healthcare is a challenge. This facility will make a real difference,” he said.
Officials said the expansion is expected to significantly improve access to quality healthcare, particularly for residents of remote and border areas, while also boosting medical education and overall healthcare infrastructure in the area.
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