Srinagar, Oct 25: The Group of Concerned Citizens, J&K (GCC), has urged the Government to fix a time frame for identifying land for the Maternity Hospital in Anantnag, consistent with the Chief Minister’s assurance at the District Development Board (DDB) Anantnag meeting on Thursday.
The Group deliberated here today on the “highs and lows” of the Maternity Hospital project since 2004, when it was first announced, followed by another announcement in 2014-15. It was noted with a deep sense of anguish that the project had time and again “fallen prey to vested interests” who never wanted the existing Maternity and Child Hospital at Sher Bagh to be relocated to a convenient place, keeping in view the location of GMC Anantnag and its associated hospitals.
“An appropriate alternative location for the Maternity Hospital has become an urgent medical necessity. Given its huge importance, non-availability of state land should not be allowed to weigh down the project any longer.” Instead, acquisition of suitable proprietary land under law should be considered, if necessary.
The Group further said that “a new hope has come up with the Chief Minister’s assertion at the DDB meeting which, we trust, finally comes true, unlike repeat assurances over the past two decades”.
