Srinagar, May 14: The Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has approved the long-pending upgradation of Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Hazratbal by relaxing buffer zone restrictions under the Srinagar Master Plan–2035.
The decision was taken during the 6th meeting of the Council of Ministers and aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve patient care delivery in the region.
Officials said the project had remained stalled for several years due to regulatory constraints under buffer zone provisions, leading to significant inconvenience for the local population and delaying essential healthcare expansion.
With the Cabinet’s approval, the way has now been cleared for the hospital’s upgradation, which will include enhanced infrastructure and improved medical facilities such as blood bank services, operation theatres, and specialised treatment units.
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the need for patients from Hazratbal and adjoining areas to travel outside for advanced treatment, thereby improving local healthcare accessibility.
Locals have welcomed the decision, expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister, stating that the existing hospital suffers from space constraints and lacks adequate facilities for both patients and attendants.
They said the upgradation would greatly ease public hardship and mark a major improvement in healthcare services for the region.
