Minister for Health and Medical Education, Bali Bhagat, has conveyed gratitude to the centre, especially the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Jai Prakash Nadda for paying special attention to the up-gradation of health facilities in the Jammu and Kashmir and sanctioning five Government Medical Colleges.The Minister has said that the present Government in the State vigorously pursued the issue with centre Government of India for expediting the establishment of proposed Government Medical Colleges and the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare was pleased to convey its approval of three Colleges at Rajouri, Anantnag and Baramulla in the first instance, of which the foundation stone will be laid on May 15, 2016 by the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Jai Prakash Nadda.
The approval for remaining two Colleges viz; Kathua and Doda is likely to be conveyed by the Centre as soon as the formalities are being finalized. These Colleges will involve an estimated cost of Rs. 189 crore each, said the Minister.
With the setting up of five Medical Colleges in the State, there would not only be a notable improvement in the overall health services, but the State will become self-sufficient in creating the required manpower (doctors) for manning the health institutions in the State. He said the State Government will continue to make its best efforts to further augment the health sector across the State with the active support of the Central Government. He said Central Government is so liberal in providing funds and other logistic support for improving the health infrastructure across the State.Mr. Bali said the State Government will formulate a comprehensive programme for further expanding and strengthening the health and diagnostic facilities, especially in the rural and far-flung areas. He further maintained that the State Health Department will maintain a close coordination with the Central Government for speedy clearance of all technical and administrative bottlenecks paving way for ensuring timely release of funds for completion of all on-going health projects in Jammu and Kashmir.