JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, while replying to a question raised by Hilal Akbar Lone on criteria for upgradation of Community Health Centre (CHC) Sumbal to Sub-District Hospital level, today informed the House that CHC Sumbal is not feasible for its upgradation to Sub District Hospital as per IPHS 2022 norms.
She apprised that as per IPHS 2022 guidelines, the districts with a population of less than 5 lakh and a functional District Hospital (DH) do not qualify for a Sub District Hospital (SDH). She also informed that SDH Davar, Gurez, has been sanctioned in the district for being a snowbound area.
The Minister also informed the House that around 14 healthcare facilities are catering to the primary healthcare services. He said that CHC Sumbal is well equipped in terms of manpower, machinery, equipment, infrastructure, dialysis unit, medical and emergency equipment serving as a critical healthcare hub in Bandipora district.
She further informed that the Block Public Health Unit (BPHU) is also being developed at CHC Sumbal under PM-ABHIM which will be an important linkage for the latest healthcare facilities.
The Minister also informed that the department is focusing on consolidation of existing health institutions by way of strengthening the manpower, infrastructure and services in the existing healthcare institutions, rather than upgradation.
Health Minister announces inquiry on identifying flood prone site for construction of GMC Handwara
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today announced in the Legislative Assembly that the government would conduct a detailed inquiry into the selection of flood prone site for construction of Government Medical College (GMC), Handwara, which caused significant losses to government exchequer.
The Minister said this while replying to supplementary questions asked by legislators Sajad Gani Lone, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Kaiser Jamsheed Lone, Mir Saifullah and Sheikh Khursheed regarding establishment of GMC Handwara.
While raising the supplementary question on the matter, Legislator Sajad Gani Lone said that the then administration selected the site and did not consult the local representatives for site selection, calling for immediate inquiry on the matter.
The Minister assured the House and legislators that their concerns would be addressed promptly. He also assured them that the local representatives will be consulted for selection of new site for establishment of this prestigious public health institution.
