In order to augment the bed capacity and to handle great rush of patients in the emergency block, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat laid foundation of Rs. 12 crore worth extension and allied works at Government Medical College here today.Minister of State for Health & Medical Education, Ms. Asiea Naqash was also present on the occasion.The extension works comprise civil works, renovation, remodeling of existing space, electrification, mechanical works, restoration of lift and allied works in the emergency block. In the first phase of expansion, capacity of one hundred beds will be added by utilizing the space in the existing Chopra Nursing Home adjoining to the emergency block thus raising the bed capacity from present 234 to 334. In the second phase, the space for another 100 beds will be constructed adjoining to the present emergency block soon to cater to the huge rush of patients from different parts of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that GMC is the premier health institution in the entire Jammu region that caters to the medical needs of lacs of people, besides large number of tourists, pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji and Shri Amarnathji and workers from different parts of the country, therefore, the need for additional accommodation, especially in the emergency block was being felt badly for the last some years. With the addition of 200 more beds there will be great relief to the authorities in handling the emergency services, said the Minister.He said that Government was endeavoring to further strengthen this institution as per the work load by equipping it appropriately, and its functioning is being monitored regularly by the authorities. He directed the engineering wing of the GMC to ensure quality of works and their timely completion.Principal GMC, Dr. Zahid A. Gillani, Medical Superintendents, GMC, SSH, SMGS, Dr. Romesh Gupta, Dr. Manoj Chalotra, Dr. Dara Singh and HoDs of various departments were present on the occasion.