HANDWARA: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today visited Natnosa, Handwara, to conduct a detailed inspection of the site identified for the construction of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara.
The visit was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; MLAs Mir Saifullah (Trehgam), Javid Ahmad Mirchal (Karnah), Sheikh Khursheed (Langate), Mir Mohammad Fayaz (Kupwara), Qaysir Jamsheed Lone (Lolab); Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Balasaheb Suse; Chief Engineers of KPDCL, Jal Shakti, and R&B; Principal GMC Handwara; ADC Handwara; Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital; and other district and sectoral officials.
During the inspection, the Minister assessed the site’s accessibility, topography, and suitability for large-scale medical infrastructure. Interacting with officials, she said the establishment of GMC Handwara will transform healthcare in the region. “This college will provide advanced healthcare services while creating new avenues for medical education and employment. Our priority is to ensure the site is ideal for patient access, medical logistics, and future expansion,” she stated.
The Minister also engaged with local residents to gather their views and ensure the project aligns with community needs. Officials briefed her on preliminary surveys and other statutory requirements for the project.
Later, at Dak Banglow Kupwara, the Minister held a meeting to finalize the requirements for the timely construction of GMC Handwara at Natnosa. She emphasized that this is a prestigious project and urged all stakeholders to coordinate closely to ensure its completion. She directed concerned departments to expedite technical evaluation reports and submit a comprehensive project report within weeks, and instructed Chief Engineers of Jal Shakti and KPDCL to arrange necessary water and electricity connections.
Highlighting challenges with the previous site, the Minister noted it was flood-prone and that an inquiry has been initiated into its selection, which caused significant financial losses to the government. She reaffirmed that Natnosa, identified after consultations with Kupwara MLAs, is now the feasible and central site for the project. She urged local legislators to work together so the project benefits residents across the district, including frontier areas like Karnah, Lolab, and Keran.
