SRINAGAR: Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday said that Natusa has been finalized as the new site for Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara, replacing the earlier flood-prone Chogal Modan location.
The decision follows a joint visit by the minister, local MLA Sheikh Rashid, Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Sogami, and senior officials.
“The stakeholders unanimously agreed that Natusa is the most suitable location for GMC Handwara. Departments have been directed to prepare detailed project reports, and construction will commence immediately after cabinet approval,” Minister Itoo told reporters.
Approved in 2019, the GMC Handwara project has faced repeated delays, with work yet to begin. The Union Health Ministry recently extended the project deadline to 2026. Minister Itoo expressed confidence that the project will now proceed without further delay.
Addressing healthcare challenges in rural areas, she added that over 500 new doctors have been posted to various health centres, and retired consultants will also be engaged to enhance services in underserved regions.
The minister reaffirmed that GMC Handwara will serve as a key hub for medical education and advanced healthcare, strengthening the government’s commitment to healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, she conducted a surprise visit to CHC Pattan, where officials directed a complete administrative reshuffle to improve service delivery, sources said.
Similar actions are expected across other health facilities, including District Hospital Kupwara (DHK), to ensure better healthcare management in remote areas.(KNC)
