Fate Of Lawaypora Trauma Hospital Hangs In Balance

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Nearly 17 years after its sanctioning, the much-hyped Lawaypora Trauma Hospital remains non-functional as a specialised trauma care facility, with the government now considering converting it into a medical accommodation facility or a drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centre.

The issue resurfaced in the ongoing budget session of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Jammu, when MLA Batamaloo Tariq Hameed Karra tabled a question on the status of the trauma hospital Lawaypora.

In response, J&K's Minister in-charge, health & Medical Education Department, admitted that while the G+3 structure was completed in 2014 at an estimated cost of Rs. 641.00 lacs (with Rs. 541.00 lacs already spent), the facility never became operational due to the unavailability of specialised medical personnel and high-end equipment.

The response added that the proposal for a trauma hospital was not agreed/approved by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

The government further added that 108 ambulance (Al5/Bl5) service was operational in the area to cater to emergencies, particularly in accident-prone zones.

Read Also Under NHM, Govt Ensuring Free Generic Medicines, Diagnostic Tests To Economically Disadvantaged Groups: H&ME Minister Chronic Kidney Diseases in J&K Double in Past Decade: Report

The government has now proposed repurposing the building, suggesting two possible uses: Residential accommodation for doctors, paramedics, and medical students (DNB/PG/UG), ensuring the presence of healthcare professionals in the area. A drug de-addiction, rehabilitation, and counseling centre, which could help address the rising substance abuse problem in Kashmir.

For now, the facility functions as a New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC), providing basic emergency stabilisation, vaccination, maternal health services, and minor injury care. However, it lacks the neurosurgeons, anesthetists, orthopedic specialists, and advanced trauma care units required for a full-fledged trauma centre.

The government defended its decision, citing the proximity of SKIMS JVC (8 km away) and GMC Srinagar (10 km away) as adequate for trauma and emergency care.

Reacting to the government's response, locals from the area argue that converting the hospital into a hostel or de-addiction centre is a betrayal of the original purpose, as Lawaypora-an accident-prone stretch of the national highway-still lacks dedicated trauma services. Many question why crores were spent on a structure never utilised as intended.

With no definitive decision yet, the fate of the Lawaypora Trauma Hospital remains uncertain. Will it ever serve its original purpose, or will it be repurposed to address Kashmir's rising drug addiction crisis. (KNO)

Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group : Join Now

Be Part of Quality Journalism

Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast.

ACT NOW

MONTHLY	Rs 100
YEARLY	Rs 1000
LIFETIME	Rs 10000

CLICK FOR DETAILS

MENAFN16032025000215011059ID1109318776