Anantnag I March 13, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir government has greenlit a significant healthcare infrastructure project with the allocation of ₹86 crore for the construction of a 250-bedded Mother & Child Care Hospital (MCCH) at Janglat Mandi in Anantnag. The announcement, initially made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on March 7, 2025, was reaffirmed in the Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2025, signaling a strong commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare services in the region.
The new facility will be established within the premises of the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital at Janglat Mandi, addressing long-standing concerns about the current MCCH’s inadequate infrastructure. The existing maternity hospital, located in the congested Sherbagh locality, has been operating out of a dilapidated building deemed unsafe by the Fire and Emergency Department since 2014. Originally designed for just 40 beds, it has struggled to accommodate the growing patient load, with overcrowded wards and limited facilities, including only two labor wards, four surgical wards, and a single operation theater.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the urgency of the project, stating, “This new 250-bedded hospital will provide much-needed relief to mothers and children in Anantnag and surrounding areas, ensuring access to modern healthcare facilities.” The initiative comes after years of challenges, including a partial fire in 2015 that damaged the outpatient department (OPD) and forced a temporary relocation to Janglat Mandi.
Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, who has been vocal about the need to relocate the current MCCH, emphasized that the new hospital would enhance patient safety and care quality. “We’ve faced significant hurdles in moving from an unsafe, cramped facility. This project is a step toward delivering the healthcare our people deserve,” she said during a recent statement.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the hospital, a process that began in November 2024 under the direction of Secretary Health Syed Abid Rashid Shah. The DPR, expected to be finalized soon, will outline the construction timeline and specifications for the state-of-the-art facility.
Local residents and healthcare professionals have welcomed the development. Dr. Anjum Farhana, Principal of GMC Anantnag, noted, “The current setup has been stretched beyond its limits. A 250-bed hospital will allow us to better serve the community and reduce the strain on staff and patients alike.”
The ₹86 crore investment is part of broader efforts to bolster healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, with the government prioritizing underserved regions. The project is expected to create jobs during its construction phase and significantly improve maternal and pediatric care once operational.
As of now, no official completion date has been announced, but officials are optimistic that work will commence shortly after the DPR is approved. The initiative reflects a critical step forward for Anantnag, a district that has long grappled with healthcare challenges, including overcrowding and outdated facilities.