Srinagar, Jul 5 (KNS): Residents of the Ramhal area in north Kashmir's Kupwara district have sought the immediate completion of the new building of the Sub-District Hospital at Villgam, alleging that construction has remained stalled for over a year, affecting healthcare services in the area.
The hospital building was taken up to address the growing patient load and shortage of space in the existing facility. However, residents said the project has seen little progress despite the passage of more than a year.
According to local residents, work on the first floor remains incomplete, while construction of the second floor has stalled after the walls were erected. They alleged that the roof and concrete slab have not been laid, leaving the structure unusable.
Some residents also alleged that poor-quality construction material had been used in the project and demanded an inquiry into the execution of the work.
"The existing hospital does not have enough space to accommodate the increasing number of patients. The delay has made it difficult for elderly patients, women and emergency cases to receive proper treatment," a resident said.
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Another resident urged the administration to complete the project without further delay, saying the hospital caters to thousands of people from Ramhal and adjoining areas.
Block Medical Officer concerned said the construction agency had been repeatedly asked, both verbally and in writing, to expedite the work but no significant progress had been made.
The contractor handling the first floor said interior works, including plastering and finishing, could not be completed until the second floor was finished as rainwater could damage the interiors.
Repeated attempts to contact officials of the construction agency, HLL, for their response did not elicit any reply.
Residents appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the Health Department and the district authorities to intervene and ensure early completion of the hospital building to improve healthcare services in the area.(KNS).