Construction on 50-bedded critical care block begins in Pulwama

PULWAMA: Construction has commenced on a 50-bedded Critical Care Block (CCB) in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

This project is a part of the Emergency Response and Health Preparedness Package (ECRP) and was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024.

The new facility being constructed is located adjacent to the existing District Hospital Pulwama.

Once completed, it will significantly enhance the hospital’s ability to manage emergency cases across various specialties, reducing the need for patient referrals to tertiary care hospitals.

Dr. Abdul Gani Dar, Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital, expressed optimism about the benefits of the new block.

“The 50-bed Critical Care Block will help us manage emergency cases more efficiently and significantly reduce the need for referring patients to other hospitals. It is a much-needed addition to the healthcare infrastructure of Pulwama,” he said.

The hospital currently faces a high patient load, treating approximately 2,000 patients daily, including those from neighbouring districts such as Shopian, Budgam, and Anantnag.

The Critical Care Block is expected to ease the pressure on the existing facility, which often struggles to accommodate emergency patients due to limited space.

Local residents welcomed the development, noting the frequent influx of critical cases to the hospital.

“This facility will enable the hospital to manage critical patients more effectively, which is vital for the district and surrounding areas,” they said.

Site engineer of the concerned construction company, Shahid Ahmad, assured that the construction is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed within the scheduled time frame within 18 months subjected to weather conditions.

Officials believe the new block will substantially improve healthcare services in Pulwama and South Kashmir, marking a critical step toward enhanced emergency care in the region. (RK)