JAMMU: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday laid the foundation stone of 100 bedded Rajiv Gandhi Hospital at Gangyal here, which would be raised under NRHM with an estimated cost of Rs 72.45 crore, an official spokesperson.
The hospital would be constructed by J&K Housing Board and shall have an OPD Block, IPD block, Operation theatres, ICU, NICU and other treatment and diagnostic facilities.
Referring to the recent announcement of four medical colleges and two Cancer Institute’s for the state, Azad informed that one each would be established at Kupwara in Kashmir valley and Udhampur district of Jammu. He also said that all possibilities would be explored to provide an exclusive Medical College for the people of twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Regarding establishment of these newly sanctioned health institutions, the Union Minister directed the concerned authorities to complete all the necessary formalities including land identification so that the work on these prestigious projects could be started at the earliest.
The minster apprised that in the last ten years the nation witnessed an immense growth and development in all the sectors with focus on Health, Education and infrastructural improvement. In this regard, he referred to establishment of 51000health centres, opening of seven lakh new schools, construction of three lakh Km new roads besides 6.50lakh villages been connected with Tehsil and block headquarters.
Azad, according the statement, also appealed the media fraternity to focus on objective reporting highlighting the programs and policies of the government so that people could get the benefit of the same.
Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Minister’s Taj Mohi-u-din, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Raman Bhalla, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Abdul Majid Wani, Manohar Lal Sharma, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Vikar Rasool Wani, MP’s Ch. Lal Singh and Madan Lal Sharma, Vice Chairman, State Social Welfare Board Kheem Lata Wakhloo and citizens were present on the occasion.

Reader correspondent