SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired a meeting to take a comprehensive project-wise review of the ongoing critical care projects being established across different districts under the Pradhan Mantri–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and Emergency COVID Response Package-II (ECRP-II).

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department (H&ME); Mission Director, NHM; Principals of Government Medical Colleges; Managing Director, HSCC; and other senior officers of the department. Underscoring the importance of these critical care facilities in strengthening the healthcare infrastructure across J&K, the Chief Secretary directed the executing agencies to enhance the pace of work to ensure timely completion of all projects.

 He stressed that the creation of such facilities would go a long way in augmenting tertiary and secondary healthcare capacities, particularly in district hospitals and new medical colleges. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary took a detailed appraisal of the physical and financial progress of each project, the availability of manpower and machinery at worksites, and the progress achieved since the last review. He called for strict adherence to deadlines and continuous monitoring to avoid delays.

The Secretary, H&ME informed the meeting that under PM-ABHIM, works are underway on two 100-bedded critical care blocks at GMC Jammu and District Hospital Budgam, along with seven 50-bedded blocks at GMC Kathua, GMC Rajouri, GMC Doda, GMC Anantnag, SKIMS Medical College Bemina, and District Hospital Kulgam. Additionally, 20 District Integrated Public Health Labs (DIPHLs) and 287 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) are also being established across the UT.

Under ECRP-II, seven more 50-bedded critical care blocks are being developed at GMC Udhampur and the District Hospitals of Reasi, Pulwama, Kupwara, Poonch, Shopian, and Ganderbal. The meeting also reviewed the progress on the establishment of 104 Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (UAAMs), out of which 52 have been completed, while 79 are targeted for completion by March 31, 2026.

The Managing Director, HSCC apprised the Chief Secretary about the current status of each project, deployment of resources, and expected timelines. He informed that the workforce at project sites has been substantially increased to over 950 workers and is expected to be further scaled up to around 1,400 in the coming weeks to meet the deadlines.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment to providing advanced healthcare facilities to the people of J&K, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned agencies to bridge manpower gaps, mobilize resources, and expedite execution so that these critical projects are completed within the stipulated timelines.

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In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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