120-bed block at Bone & Joint Hospital Barzulla inaugurated after missed deadlines

In a major boost to orthopaedic healthcare infrastructure in Kashmir, the long-awaited 120-bed block at the Bone and Joint Hospital, Barzulla, was finally inaugurated after missing multiple deadlines.

- JAHANGEER GANAIE

The hospital, which has remained the valley’s premier orthopaedic care centre, suffered extensive damage during the 2014 floods and a subsequent devastating fire in March 2022.

Despite these setbacks, the hospital continued to provide services to thousands of patients daily.

Asenior health official informed the news agency that the additional 120-bed block was constructed under the World Bankfunded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), specifically under the component Strengthening of Critical Infrastructure.

“The new G+5 building is earthquakeresilient and equipped with modular operation theatres, ICU, Pre and Post-Operative Care Units, a Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), Theatre Sterile Supply Unit (TSSU), specialised laundry, and a pneumatic tube system—the first of its kind in J&K,” he said.