SRINAGAR: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have been directed to expedite the completion of the under-construction Extension Block at Government Lalla Ded Hospital, with a strong emphasis on maintaining quality standards and accelerating the pace of work.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the project, intended to become a dedicated Infertility and Gynaecological Oncology Centre, is a crucial step towards enhancing specialized maternal and neonatal healthcare services across the Union Territory. This facility is expected to significantly upgrade healthcare infrastructure, offering advanced and accessible care for women and newborns.
During a recent site review, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah examined the progress of construction, the strategies for execution, and the development of necessary infrastructure. He called for robust coordination among all relevant departments, particularly the Health Department, to ensure a consistent flow of funding, prompt administrative approvals, and a smooth transition to operational status.
Officials indicated that the project is being implemented under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project, supported by funding from the World Bank, with an estimated expenditure of ₹118.22 crore. The new block is designed as a G+5 structure with an attic, encompassing a built-up area of approximately 11,640 square meters. It will accommodate 117 specialized beds, comprising 65 for adult patients and 52 for infants.
The center is planned with state-of-the-art facilities, including modular operation theatres, intensive care units (ICU), high-dependency units (HDU), neonatal intensive care units (NICU), integrated labour, delivery, and recovery suites, as well as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratories. Advanced fetal intervention capabilities are also incorporated, adhering to both national and international healthcare benchmarks.
Construction of the building is employing advanced base isolation technology, utilizing 43 friction pendulum isolators to ensure structural integrity and safety against seismic activity in Zone-V. Reports from officials confirm that the foundation and the ground floor structure have been completed. The installation of base isolators is in its advanced stages, and structural work is progressing concurrently across various zones. The procurement process for major medical equipment and essential mechanical and electrical systems has also commenced.
The Chief Minister was accompanied during his review by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani. Also present were Dr. (Prof.) Iffat Hassan, Principal and Dean of GMC Srinagar; Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Administrator of GMC Srinagar; the Medical Superintendent of LD Hospital; and senior officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) (R&B) and the Jammu and Kashmir Economic Reconstruction Agency (JKERA).
The Chenab Times News Desk
