SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday conducted a detailed inspection and review of the ongoing construction of the Extension Block at Lalla Ded Hospital, emphasising strict adherence to timelines and quality standards.
The Chief Minister assessed the pace of work, execution strategy and infrastructure development, directing concerned departments to expedite the project while maintaining high construction standards. He highlighted that timely completion is crucial to strengthening healthcare delivery in Jammu and Kashmir.
The upcoming facility is being developed as a dedicated Infertility and Gynaecological Oncology Centre and is expected to significantly augment specialised maternal and neonatal healthcare services. Stressing its importance, the Chief Minister said the project will provide advanced, accessible and high-quality care to women and newborns across the Union Territory.
Officials briefed him that the project is being executed by the PWD (R&B) Department under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project at an estimated cost of ₹118.22 crore. The structure is designed as a G+5+attic building with a total built-up area of around 11,640 square metres and will accommodate approximately 117 specialised beds, including 65 for adults and 52 for infants.
The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including modular operation theatres, Intensive Care Units (ICU), High Dependency Units (HDU), Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), Labour, Delivery and Recovery (LDR) suites, IVF laboratories and advanced fetal intervention systems, in line with national and international standards.
Highlighting structural safety, officials informed that the building is being constructed using advanced base isolation technology with 43 friction pendulum isolators, ensuring high seismic resilience in Zone-V. The design and engineering components have been vetted by premier technical institutions.
The Chief Minister was told that foundation work and the ground floor framework have been completed, while installation of base isolators is at an advanced stage. Pre-engineered building works are ongoing across multiple sections, and procurement of major medical equipment, along with mechanical and electrical systems, has been initiated.
Emphasising coordinated efforts, Omar Abdullah directed all stakeholder departments, particularly the Health Department, to ensure uninterrupted fund flow, timely clearances and seamless coordination for early completion and operationalisation of the facility.
