Handwara, Aug 14 (KNS): Health Minister Sakina Itoo has announced that Natusa has been selected as the optimal site for establishing the Government Medical College (GMC) in Handwara, replacing the earlier proposed location at Chogal Modan, which was deemed vulnerable to flooding.

Talking to reporters, Minister Sakina Itoo said, as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), that the decision followed her visit to Natusa alongside local MLA Sheikh Rashid, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Sogami, senior officials, and engineers. She stated that all stakeholders unanimously supported the new site selection and that the proposal will now be placed before the cabinet for formal approval.

“We have collectively decided that Natusa is the most suitable location for GMC Handwara. Departments concerned have been directed to prepare detailed project reports, and once the cabinet grants approval, construction will commence without further delay,” the minister said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The medical college, approved in 2019, has faced repeated delays, with construction yet to begin. The Union Health Ministry recently extended the project deadline until 2026. Minister Itoo expressed confidence that work will start promptly and be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

Addressing the shortage of doctors in rural areas, she said the government has recently posted more than 500 new doctors to various health centres. Plans are also in place to engage retired consultants to bolster healthcare delivery in remote and underserved regions.

The minister affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir and said GMC Handwara will become a key hub for both medical education and advanced healthcare in the region.(KNS)