Srinagar, 18 August (H.S.): Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo today chaired a high-level meeting to review the action taken and progress achieved on decisions taken during earlier review meetings, with particular focus on major infrastructure and development projects being implemented by the Health, Education and Social Welfare departments across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Education, Ram Niwas Sharma; Special Secretaries of Higher Education, Health and Education Departments; Directors of Health Services Jammu and Kashmir; Directors of School Education Jammu and Kashmir; Principals of Government Medical Colleges and other senior officers of the concerned departments.

The Minister undertook a comprehensive review of the physical and financial progress of various ongoing projects, including infrastructure works, Capex and SASCI projects, utilisation of funds, procurement of equipment and implementation of decisions taken in previous review meetings.

Emphasising the importance of translating sanctioned projects into tangible outcomes for the people, Sakeena Itoo directed the officers to ensure strict adherence to timelines, close monitoring of execution and clear accountability at every stage. She stressed that financial expenditure must correspond with actual physical progress and called for immediate resolution of bottlenecks causing delays.

Reviewing healthcare infrastructure in Kashmir, the Minister was informed that the 125-bedded District Hospital at Reshipora, Budgam has achieved 75 per cent physical progress and is targeted for completion by March 2027. The status of various SASCI projects was also reviewed.

The meeting was further informed that a proposal for establishment of a Critical Care Hospital Block at Uri has been initiated, with five kanals of land identified at Mohara.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar