The government has released Rs 17 lakh for repair and renovation of Mini Maternity-cum-Child Care Hospital (MMCH), Zakoora to further enhance patient care in the region. This was stated by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, while replying to a Calling Attention Notice moved in the House today by Legislator Salman Sagar.
She informed that during 2023-24, Director Health Services, Kashmir authorized the work namely ‘up-gradation of MMCH Zakura Srinagar’ in order to complete the remaining works including the internal finishing and other allied development works and granted AAA in July 2022 to the tune of Rs. 299.98 lakh.
“Subsequently, the funds to the tune of Rs. 75.00 lakh were released but could not be utilized due to non-relocation/occupation of the building by the security forces”, she added. The Minister said that the works on MMCH Zakoora were under execution through J&K Housing Board but remained incomplete due to occupation of the building by the security forces during the year 2019.
She further said that during the year 2025, the security forces vacated the building and subsequently the building required repairs and renovation. She informed that the project "HMESS2526100050-BALANCE WORK AT MMC ZAKURA SRINAGAR" has been approved under the UT Capex Budget 2025-26 with Rs. 17 lakh has been released.
The PWD (R&B) was asked to prepare a DPR, which initially estimated costs at Rs. 10 crore, deemed high. She added that a revised DPR has been requested with due cost effectiveness from PWD and accordingly the repair and renovation of the building shall be taken up at the earliest to make the building operational for hospital purposes.