Srinagar, July 15, 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated a new 120-bedded orthopedic block at the Bone and Joint Hospital in Barzulla, Srinagar, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the region’s healthcare infrastructure. The state-of-the-art facility, constructed under the World Bank-funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), was unveiled in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Health & Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, alongside other dignitaries and medical professionals.
The new block, designed with earthquake-resilient technology, increases the hospital’s capacity from 150 to 310 beds, addressing the space constraints caused by a 2022 fire that reduced the hospital’s original capacity. The facility features modular operation theatres, modern medical equipment, and advanced biomedical waste management systems, aiming to provide high-quality orthopedic care for patients across Jammu and Kashmir. The hospital, a premier tertiary care center for trauma, road accidents, and orthopedic complications, is set to alleviate patient distress and enhance treatment efficiency.
During the inauguration, CM Omar Abdullah emphasized the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services, stating, “This new block will significantly enhance patient care and medical services, catering to patients from across regions.” He directed authorities to ensure the timely availability of medicines and essential facilities, addressing concerns raised during his surprise inspection in December 2024, where he set a January 2025 deadline for operationalisation.
Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary and Health Minister Sakeena Itoo reiterated the government’s focus on modernising healthcare infrastructure to meet the growing medical needs of the population. The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of the government, hospital authorities, and executing agencies to overcome previous delays in the project, which began in 2019.
The Bone and Joint Hospital’s expansion is a critical step toward addressing the region’s orthopedic healthcare demands, with officials expressing optimism about its impact on patient care. The facility’s completion marks a significant achievement in restoring and upgrading critical infrastructure damaged by the 2014 floods and the 2022 fire.
