Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has earmarked Rs 86 crore for the construction of a 250-bed maternity and child care hospital in Anantnag. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while presenting the Union Territory’s first budget in the assembly.
The establishment of this hospital aims to enhance maternal and child healthcare services in South Kashmir, reducing the burden on existing hospitals and improving medical accessibility for expectant mothers and newborns. The initiative is a significant step in addressing the healthcare challenges faced by women and children in the region.
The allocation comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition to this project, the budget also includes funding for the expansion of medical facilities across the Union Territory.
The budget presentation featured several other key announcements, including Rs 10 crore for six new helipads, Rs 110 crore for CT scan facilities in district hospitals, and provisions for journalist welfare through the establishment of press clubs in Jammu and Kashmir. The economic report revealed that J&K’s economy has grown from Rs 1,64,103 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 2,45,022 crore in 2023-24. However, concerns over high AT&C losses led to significant borrowing, raising public debt from 48% of GSDP in 2015-16 to 52% in 2023-24.
