Sakeena Itoo visits Natnosa Handwara, inspects site for construction of GMC

HANDWARA: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today visited Natnosa, Handwara and undertook comprehensive inspection of site identified for construction of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara.

Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Trehgam, Mir Saifullah; MLA Karnah Javid Ahmad Mirchal; MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed; Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; ADDC Kupwara, Chief Engineer, KPDCL, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti, Chief Engineer R&B, Principal GMC Handwara, ADC Handwara, Medical Superintendent District Hospital and other district and sectoral officers accompanied the Minister during the visit.

During the visit, the Minister conducted an on-ground inspection to evaluate the site’s accessibility, topography and suitability for large-scale medical infrastructure.

Interacting with different officers on the occasion, the Minister said that the establishment of GMC in Handwara will be a transformative development in terms of healthcare landscape of the region. “A Government Medical College here will not only provide advanced healthcare services to our people but will also create new avenues for medical education and employment. Our aim is to ensure that the location chosen is ideal in terms of patient access, medical logistics and future expansion,” she said.

The Minister also interacted with the local residents, during the visit, to gather their views and ensure that the project aligns with the local community needs. The officials present on the occasion briefed the Minister about the preliminary surveys and other statutory requirements needed for the project. Later, the Minister also held a meeting at Dak Banglow Kupwara to finalize the requirements for timely construction of GMC Handwara at the newly identified site at Natnosa.

Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Trehgam, Mir Saifullah; MLA Karnah Javid Ahmad Mirchal; MLA Kupwara, Mir Mohammad Fayaz; MLA Lolab, Qaysir Jamsheed Lone; MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed; Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse; Chief Engineer, KPDCL, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti, Chief Engineer R&B, Principal GMC Handwara and other district officers were also present in the meeting.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister underlined that GMC Handwara is a prestigious project and all the stakeholders need to work in tandem for timely construction of the project. She directed the officers of concerned departments to expedite technical evaluation reports and submit a comprehensive project report within weeks time. She also asked the Chief Engineers of Jal Shakti and KPDCL to make necessary arrangements regarding electricity and water supply for this prestigious project.

The Minister also highlighted that the existing site of GMC Handwara, selected by previous administration, was not feasible as it was flood prone. She added that enquiry has already been initiated regarding selection of the earlier site for construction of this project which has led to a significant loss to government exchequer.

During the meeting, the Minister also highlighted that in an earlier meeting with MLAs of Kupwara district regarding the change of site for GMC Handwara, it was decided that the Natnosa will be feasible for construction of this project and accordingly necessary formalities were carried out. She asked the MLAs of Kupwara district to work in coordination so that this prestigious project can be taken to its logical end, benefitting the people of this frontier district.

The Minister, further said that the new site at Natnosa is central to Kupwara district and will be accessible to people of all frontier areas like Karnah, Lolab, Keran and other areas of the district.