Kishtwar, July 10: Rajya Sabha MP Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo on Friday announced the allocation of approximately ₹74 lakh under the MPLADS scheme to strengthen healthcare facilities in Kishtwar district by providing four ambulances and other essential medical equipment.
Of the sanctioned ambulances, two Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances, costing around ₹14 lakh each, will be provided to District Hospital Kishtwar, while one ambulance each will be given to the local NGOs Hilal Health Care Society and Ababeel to enhance emergency healthcare services in remote areas.
In addition, the MP announced financial assistance for several other essential facilities, including stretchers (₹1.50 lakh), commercial dustbins (₹1.75 lakh), wheelchairs (₹1.40 lakh), and a tipper garbage collector (₹10 lakh) for improving sanitation and patient care at the hospital.
During his interaction with doctors and hospital staff, Kichloo assured that he would also take up the demand for another dedicated ambulance to transport critically ill patients from District Hospital Kishtwar to tertiary healthcare institutions in Kashmir, including SKIMS Srinagar and other leading hospitals in the Valley. He also assured support for procuring operation tables and other essential medical equipment required by the hospital.
The medical fraternity highlighted the acute shortage of Anaesthesiologists, Radiologists and technical staff, besides seeking the full establishment of the Radiology Department to ensure the smooth functioning of the newly installed MRI machine.
Kichloo thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his efforts in facilitating the installation of the MRI machine at District Hospital Kishtwar. He also assured the doctors and hospital administration that he would take up the hospital’s pressing issues with Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, particularly the shortage of specialist doctors and other infrastructure gaps requiring immediate attention.
The MP further informed that ₹2 crore has already been sanctioned for establishing a modern laundry facility at District Hospital Kishtwar.
Emphasising the long-term solution to healthcare challenges in the region, Kichloo said that the establishment of a Government Medical College in Kishtwar is essential to address the district’s growing medical needs. He noted that Kishtwar spans nearly 8,000 square kilometres and caters not only to the district’s population but also to patients from adjoining areas of Doda district and Pangi Sub-Division of Himachal Pradesh.
Doctors also urged the MP to facilitate bringing District Hospital Kishtwar under the administrative control of Government Medical College Jammu until Kishtwar gets its own operational medical college, stating that such a move would significantly improve specialist services, academic support and overall healthcare delivery in the district.
