Funds Spent, Harwan AYUSH Hospital Remains Incomplete
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has revealed that despite significant expenditure, the 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital at Harwan in Hazratbal constituency remains incomplete.
Background of the Project
The project was sanctioned in December 2011 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at an estimated cost of Rs 750 lakh under a centrally sponsored scheme for development of AYUSH hospitals under the National Rural Health Mission.
- The estimated cost was later revised to Rs 677.43 lakh in January 2014.
- Execution of the project was authorized through the R&B Department.
Construction Progress
A double-storey structure was constructed with an expenditure of Rs 461 lakh.
- The main structure and trusses have been completed.
- However, several components, including installation of doors and windows, electrification, sanitary fittings and finishing works, remain pending.
Reasons for Incompletion
The government said that the proposed use of the hospital is not permitted under the notified Srinagar Master Plan and cannot be regularized post-facto.
The Housing and Urban Development Department maintained that the matter has been examined at multiple levels for regularization and operationalization of the facility in view of public interest and the funds already spent.
Other Ongoing Projects
The government also informed about other ongoing projects, including the infrastructure upgrade of Gousia Hospital in Khanyar.
The government said that the infrastructure upgrade of Gousia Hospital could not be taken up as the matter is sub judice before the High Court.
Regarding the SR Gunj Hospital, the government said that construction is in its final stage with an estimated cost of Rs 270.28 lakh.
Progress of Other Ongoing Projects
- The Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) Nishat is currently functional, providing services including OPD, ECG, X-ray, AYUSH care and a twice-weekly gynaecology clinic.
- An additional floor has been completed at a cost of Rs 122.89 lakh.
- Further medical equipment is being added.
Future Plans
The government also said that a Block Public Health Unit is being established at the facility under the PM-ABHIM scheme.
The government added that it will continue to examine the matter for regularization and operationalization of the facility in view of public interest and the funds already spent.
Timeline
The project for SR Gunj Hospital is targeted for completion by August in the 2026–27 financial year.
Financial Details
Out of the estimated cost of Rs 270.28 lakh for the SR Gunj Hospital, Rs 166.98 lakh has already been spent.
The government also revealed that the property housing the hospital has not been fully acquired by the department.
Biomedical Waste Management
Biomedical waste management is being carried out through transportation in coordination with a healthcare facility at Lassipora in Pulwama district.
Public Interest
The government maintained that the matter has been examined at multiple levels for regularization and operationalization of the facility in view of public interest and the funds already spent.