SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday said the government is examining pending liabilities of nearly Rs 275 crore owed to private hospitals and will clear the dues in a phased manner, while acknowledging the financial constraints faced by the Union Territory.
Speaking after inaugurating a medical camp here, the minister said comprehensive healthcare arrangements had been put in place for the forthcoming Muharram period. She said directions had been issued to ensure round-the-clock availability of doctors, adequate stocks of medicines and blood donation facilities across both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
The camp includes dedicated screening and testing facilities for blood donors, along with a three-bed recovery unit. Itoo said blood donation was a vital contribution towards saving lives.
The minister said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review Muharram preparations. The meeting was attended by legislators who raised issues concerning drinking water supply, sanitation and healthcare services.
“We have ensured adequate availability of medicines and doctors so that no one faces any difficulty,” she said.
Commenting on the restoration of the historic Jamia Masjid, Itoo expressed concern over the prolonged delay in completion of the project and said the work should have been finished much earlier. She urged the Waqf Board to release the required funds in a single instalment to expedite completion of the restoration work.
Responding to questions regarding pending payments to private hospitals, Itoo acknowledged the liability and said the government was working on a mechanism to clear the outstanding dues despite financial challenges.
“It is true that their payment is pending. Clearing such a large liability involves a substantial amount. The government is examining the matter and the liabilities will be cleared,” she said, while stressing that patient care should not be affected.
Highlighting the financial limitations faced by the Union Territory, the minister said the administration was dealing with resource constraints but remained committed to safeguarding public health.
“There are many financial challenges in the Union Territory and securing funds is not easy. However, the health of the people remains our top priority, and we will do everything possible to ensure healthcare services are not compromised,” she added. (KNS)
