Funds crunch delaying hospital payments, but health remains priority: Sakina Itoo
Srinagar, June 16: Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday said the government is scrutinising pending dues of nearly Rs 275 crore to private hospitals and will clear them in a phased manner, even as she acknowledged the fiscal constraints facing the Union Territory.
Inaugurating a medical camp here, the minister said comprehensive healthcare arrangements have been put in place for the upcoming Muharram period, with instructions issued for round-the-clock availability of doctors, adequate medicine stocks, and blood donation facilities across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
The camp includes dedicated screening and testing facilities for blood donors, along with a three-bed recovery area, she said, adding that blood donation was a significant contribution towards saving lives.
Minister Itoo said the Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review Muharram preparations, which was attended by legislators who raised issues related to drinking water, sanitation, and health services. “We have ensured adequate medicines and doctor availability so that no one faces any difficulty,” she added.
On the restoration of the historic Jamia Masjid, the minister expressed concern over the protracted delay, saying the work should have been completed much earlier. She urged the Waqf Board to release funds in one go for early completion of the project.
Responding to queries on pending payments to private hospitals, Jammu and Kashmir’s health and education minister Sakina Itoo admitted the liability but highlighted the fund crunch faced by the UT administration.
“It is true their payment is pending. To clear such a huge liability is a big amount. The government is examining it. The liabilities will be cleared,” she said, while stressing that no patient should face disruption in treatment.
“You know that in UT, there are many problems with funds. It is very difficult to get funds. What do we have in UT? We have nothing. But people’s health is the most important thing for us. We will do anything for it,” the minister added. (KNS)
