Announces new cath labs, PET scans, chemotherapy units in 86 SDHs, cancer control strategy
Jammu Tawi, Feb 11: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday announced a major expansion and modernisation of healthcare infrastructure across the Union Territory, aimed at improving patient care, boosting hospital capacity and ensuring access to advanced medical services closer to home.
Speaking during the grants discussion in the Legislative Assembly, Itoo said the government has rolled out a comprehensive plan focusing on critical care, emergency services, cancer treatment and modern diagnostics. She informed the House that a new 160-bedded block at B&J Hospital, Srinagar, is now operational, while 243 new beds have been added at SMGS Hospital to ease pressure on surgical services.
The minister announced that nearly 3,200 hospital beds will be added across J&K over the next two years, one of the largest healthcare capacity expansions in the region. To strengthen emergency and life-saving services, 900 additional critical care beds will be established in hospitals across all districts.
Highlighting ongoing projects, Itoo said major works are underway at SKIMS Bemina, a new theatre block at SMHS Hospital Srinagar, a 30-bedded ENT block at GMC Srinagar and the upgradation of District Hospital Budgam. These projects aim to modernise facilities and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for specialised treatment.
To improve trauma and emergency care, dedicated Emergency Medicine Departments will be set up in all new Government Medical Colleges (GMCs). In cardiac care, two Cath Labs have already been established, including one at GMC Anantnag. Additional Cath Labs will come up at GMC Baramulla, GMC Rajouri and GMC Doda.
On diagnostics, the minister said CT scan facilities are being rolled out in multiple hospitals, while new MRI machines will be installed in all newly established GMCs, SKIMS Soura and GMC Jammu to reduce referral burdens and waiting times.
For cancer care, PET Scan services are being introduced at GMC Srinagar, with plans to extend them to GMC Anantnag and GMC Kathua. Chemotherapy facilities will be established in 86 Sub-District Hospitals and Community Health Centres within 15 months. The government will also expand hemodialysis units, add new X-ray machines and induct 44 ambulances.
Itoo said a dedicated Cancer Control Strategy is being formulated with support from reputed national institutions, including Tata group healthcare entities. As part of preventive care, a free cervical cancer screening drive for girls aged 9–15 years was also announced.
Addressing manpower shortages, the minister said recruitment is underway and medical seats at MBBS and postgraduate levels have already been increased.
“Our goal is a robust, accessible and modern healthcare system where quality care is available within every district,” Itoo told the House.
