Jammu and Kashmir's healthcare is on the cusp of change due to investments over the past four years. This influx of capital, due to an attractive investment policy by the Union Territory administration, is poised to revolutionise the sector, promising a new era of healthcare services for the region.
The government allocated land for three medi-cities in Kashmir-- Bemina in Srinagar, Sempora in Pulwama and Lelhara Kakapora in Pulwama.
The proposal includes building hospitals, medical colleges, and allied facilities. This initiative targets creating 5,000 hospital beds and 1,000 spots for medical students.
According to officials, the projects have been categorised based on size, with eight larger groups planning facilities exceeding 200 beds each, anticipating around 10,000 job openings.
Initially, the allocated space seemed sufficient but later required additional land, leading to the transfer of 750 kanals (94 acres) to a different location. The proposed healthcare facilities aim to encompass medical colleges, speciality centres, nursing, and pharmaceutical units, among others.
The government has invited private partners to establish these centres, offering support in land allocation and financial aid. Efforts are underway to expand MBBS seat capacity by opening new medical colleges in Handwara and Udhampur, where classes were scheduled to start by 2022-23, increasing the total MBBS seats to 1,000 in J&K. This expansion aims to enhance patient care by increasing the availability of doctors.
Led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the administration has introduced a ranking system to attract investors. Projects over Rs 4,000 crore, include super-speciality hospitals, diagnostic centres, and nursing institutes.
Foremost in driving this transformative healthcare movement in Jammu and Kashmir are prominent entities such as Universal Healthcare, Vitasta Hospitals, Mili Trusts Medical College and Hospital, Peaks Medicity, DVS Worldwide Service, Trumboo Infrastructure, Radiant Medicity, and Areesha Royal Hospital.
Projects like the Kashmir Medical College and Super-Specialty Hospital in Sempora, Srinagar, plan to offer 150 MBBS seats and a 100-bed hospital to provide quality healthcare and generate local employment.
Among these ventures, noteworthy progress has been achieved. On April 27, Sinha laid the foundation stone for the Kashmir Medical College and Super-Speciality Hospital, a significant project developed by Milli Trust from Delhi. Located at the Industrial Estate Sempora, this project marks one of the most substantial private-sector investments in the UT's healthcare sector, set to elevate efficiency and care standards.
Director of Industries and Commerce Khalid Majeed said the pace of work by Milli Trust has slowed due to winter, but it’s going on. “Work on a few more such projects is also going on,’’ he said.
These initiatives represent a commitment to significantly improve the region's healthcare and contribute to employment and skill development.
Beyond healthcare, the government's proactive approach extends to economic growth initiatives like the Business Reform Action Plan and a Single Window Portal, enhancing the region's business environment. Additionally, progress is being made on establishing AIIMS in Jammu and Awantipora.
The healthcare sector in Kashmir has seen substantial investments, promising progress and transformative development post the revocation of Article 370. The collaborative efforts between the Centre and the UT administration, spearheaded by Sinha, aim to revolutionise healthcare infrastructure in the region. These efforts include a meticulous ranking system to identify visionary investors committed to advancing healthcare facilities, with cumulative proposals exceeding Rs 4,000 crores.
Valued at Rs. 525 crores, this initiative aims to establish a medical college equipped with 150 MBBS seats alongside a 100-bed hospital. The project foresees employment opportunities for 2,000 staff members and pledges to offer high-quality healthcare services at affordable rates.
The creation of 150 MBBS seats aims to fulfil the aspirations of the youth, while the 100-bed hospital is committed to delivering top-notch healthcare accessible to all. Additionally, this endeavour aims to create jobs for 2,000 local youths, further contributing to the region's economic growth and skill development. This project symbolises a significant step towards enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality within the region, reflecting a collaborative effort between private entities and governmental initiatives.
Apart from the medi cities, the Centre has approved seven medical colleges for the Union Territory. Progress on two AIIMS in Vijaypur and Awantipora is notable, with Vijaypur's construction at 92 per cent and Awantipora at 44 per cent.