SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Thursday approved the upgradation of Sub-District Hospital Hazratbal by relaxing buffer zone restrictions under the Srinagar Master Plan-2035.
The decision was taken during the sixth meeting of the Council of Ministers to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve patient care in the region.
Officials said the hospital expansion project had remained stalled for several years due to restrictions linked to buffer zone provisions, causing inconvenience to residents and patients. In view of the growing healthcare needs and public hardships, the Cabinet approved relaxation of the norms to facilitate the long-pending project.
Following the approval, the hospital is expected to receive expanded infrastructure and enhanced medical facilities, including blood bank services, operation theatres and specialised treatment units for various ailments.
The move is aimed at improving healthcare delivery and reducing the need for patients to travel to other hospitals for treatment and admission.
Residents of the area welcomed the decision and thanked the Chief Minister, saying the hospital has long faced space shortages and inadequate facilities for patients and attendants. They said the upgradation would improve access to healthcare services for people living in Hazratbal and adjoining areas.
