Srinagar: Transforming the healthcare industry in the state is becoming a priority for the Jammu and Kashmir Government, given that it has earmarked over rupees 1,317 crores for various hospital projects.

Recently State Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma informed health department officers that work on different projects of hospitals across the State should progress along expected lines.

Sharma was informed that an amount of Rs 489.73 crore had been incurred on these works by March end, 2010.

Sharma asked the executing agencies to expeditiously execute work on various infrastructure related health projects, as any delay in execution causes unnecessary cost escalation.

Calling for coordinated efforts to ensure judicious use of funds, the minister also stressed to adopt high rise multi-storied concept to make optimum use of land.

Sharma asked for keeping a provision for further expansion to cater to the future needs and stressed for adopting a universal model and design for different health buildings.

He informed that for maintenance of health buildings, the State government was contemplating to create an independent agency. “There is a huge infrastructure of health institutions across the State, which requires constant upkeep and maintenance by an independent authority.”

Others present at the meeting included Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education R K Jerath, Director for Family Welfare, J&K, Kulbushan Pandotra, Director for Health Services Kashmir M A Wani, Chief Engineer R&B Jammu, D L Sharma, Managing Director JKPCC T Mustafa, Managing Director J&K Housing Board Daleep Thussu, and Managing Director J&K Police Housing Corporation M A Shah.