New building for Gandhi Nagar Hospital in pipeline: Sakeena Itoo

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 30 (PTK): Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly that the proposal for construction of a new building for Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, is currently in the pipeline.

The Minister was replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Vikram Randhawa regarding the declaration of the old hospital building as unsafe following a structural safety audit and the need for its demolition and replacement with a modern hospital facility.

Itoo informed the House that during 2025, the old hospital building developed severe water seepage and waterlogging issues. Subsequently, a Structural Safety Audit was conducted by PWD (DIQC), Jammu, which highlighted safety concerns related to the building.

Keeping in view the safety of patients and staff, the Minister said that all hospital services, except the OPD Block, were shifted to the 200-bedded MCH Building of GMC Jammu. At the same time, the process for construction of a new hospital building at the existing site was initiated.

The Minister further stated that the requisite floor-wise service plans, duly approved by the committee constituted for the purpose, have already been submitted to the Chief Architect and Chief Engineer, PWD, Jammu.

She added that the total station site plan required for preparing the architectural design is currently under finalisation.

Sakeena Itoo informed the House that after completion of the required formalities and documentation, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for construction of the new hospital building will be prepared by the Public Works (Roads & Buildings) Department.

The proposed project is aimed at providing a modern and safer healthcare facility at Gandhi Nagar while addressing the infrastructure concerns identified in the existing hospital building.(PTK)