Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Feb 06: The Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department has initiated major steps towards strengthening maternal and child healthcare services in Anantnag with the proposed construction of a 249-bedded Mother and Child Care Hospital (M&CCH) at Janglat Mandi.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Reyaz Ahmad Khan in the Assembly, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), informed the House that the Paediatric Department has already been shifted to the Ground Floor of Block-A at MMABM & Hospital, Janglat Mandi, Anantnag. However, the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) Department is still functioning from the old Maternal & Child Care Hospital at Sheer Bagh, Anantnag.
She said that the OBG Department will be shifted to the newly identified site behind Block “A” of MMABM Hospital once the required infrastructure is completed.
The minister further revealed that around 4.5 kanals of land behind Block “A” of MMABM Hospital at Janglat Mandi has been identified for the construction of the new 249-bedded Mother and Child Care Hospital.
For this purpose, the Public Works (R&B) Department prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) amounting to ₹86.15 crore, covering the construction of the modern healthcare facility aimed at improving maternal and neonatal services in south Kashmir.
Itoo said the DPR was submitted to the Finance Department for financial concurrence and for seeking Administrative Approval along with funding under NABARD RIDE XXXI. However, the proposal was returned with certain observations.
“The Finance Department advised identification of a clear source of funding other than NABARD and also directed incorporation of furniture and furnishing components in the DPR,” she said.
The minister added that the concerned PWD division is now working on revising the DPR and recalculating the financial implications accordingly.
To ensure progress on the project, the government has already earmarked ₹5 crore under the Capex Budget 2025–26 for initial works.
Additionally, the Health Department plans to propose the project under the SASCI scheme in 2026–27 as an additional funding source to fast-track completion, considering the project’s large scale and importance.
Once completed, the 249-bedded Mother and Child Care Hospital is expected to significantly enhance healthcare facilities for women and children across Anantnag and adjoining districts, reducing the burden on existing hospitals and improving access to specialised maternal services—(KNO)
