SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today conducted a comprehensive inspection of two leading healthcare institutions in Srinagar – the 500-bed Government Children’s Hospital, Bemina, and the Bone & Joint Hospital, Barzulla. He was accompanied by Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Principal, Government Medical College Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah; and Administrator, Associated Hospitals GMC Srinagar, Mohammad Ashraf Hakaak.
At the Children’s Hospital, Bemina, the Chief Secretary toured key sections including the NICU, PICU, Dialysis Centre, Pediatric Super-specialty wards, and Pediatric Surgery theatre. He interacted with medical staff and reviewed services offered across 16 newly established pediatric super-specialties.
Officials briefed him on hospital operations, patient footfall, referral mechanisms, and diagnostic facilities. He directed the Roads & Buildings Department to expedite construction of the new Diagnostic Block, which will house CT, MRI, and Digital Radiography facilities, with provisions for three additional floors to accommodate further super-specialty services.
A detailed presentation highlighted the functioning of critical departments such as Pediatric Surgery, Nephrology, Hematology, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, Microbiology, and Radiology. Appreciating the hospital’s role in reducing the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) below the national average, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for continued growth and expansion.
He also lauded the fellowship programs in Pediatric Neonatology and Neurology, and the proposed Pediatric Nephrology fellowship. It was announced that MD seats in General Pediatrics will increase from 17 to 21.
At the Bone & Joint Hospital, Barzulla, the Chief Secretary inspected patient care facilities and toured the newly inaugurated 160-bed hospital block. He assessed facility utilization and stressed the importance of delivering quality orthopedic care throughout the Kashmir Valley. He highlighted that the expanded bed capacity, operating theatres, and infrastructure should directly translate into improved patient care and satisfaction.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the administration’s focus on expanding specialized medical services, upgrading facilities, and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens.
