Additional block at Bone and Joint Hospital nears completion
After the completion of more than 90 % of construction work, the additional block comprising of 160-beds at Bone and Joint (B&J) Hospital in Barzulla, Srinagar is fully geared to get operational in April this year.
After missing several deadlines, the construction of the additional 160-bedded hospital block at the Bone and Joint Hospital in Barzulla, Srinagar is in full progress and will be operational soon, said the sources.
With the functioning of the new block, the total bed capacity of the hospital will rise from 150 to 310. Initially, the hospital had a bed capacity of 200, which was due to a fire incident in 2022, leading to a space crunch.
Built under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) with funding from the World Bank, the structure has been constructed on modern lines, utilizing the latest technology.
The additional block, with a total capacity of 160 beds, will be earthquake resilient and equipped with various systems to enhance overall patient care.
Officials informed the Excelsior that the structure includes state-of-the-art modular operation theatres with a Laminar Flow System, Theatre Sterile Supply Unit, and Pre and Post-Op patient care wards.
“We will also have 10 ICU beds, a state-of-the-art Physiotherapy Unit, and an in-house biomedical waste disposal system, ensuring the treatment of biomedical waste on scientific lines,” said Dr. Shabir Siddqui, Medical Superintendent of Bone & Joint Hospital, Barzulla.
Optimal space utilization, officials said, the incorporation of the latest healthcare facilities make the building one-of-a-kind in the public healthcare setup in J&K.
The block will also feature the Pneumatic Tube System, a first of its kind in hospitals in J&K, ensuring seamless transport of various medical items, including blood samples, from one floor to another.
“This will minimize human interference in the supply of these items and will also result in cost cutting; for example, a blood sample sent from one floor will directly reach its destination without any hassle,” added Dr. Shabir.
Furthermore, officials stated that there will be much-needed upgrading in the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) as well as the hospital laundry with the start of the additional block coupled with the Sewage and Effluent Treatment Plant.
This is the orthopedic hospital in Kashmir which is catering to the patient rush even from several areas of Jammu division as well as Ladakh.
Pertinent to mention, the existing building of the hospital experienced damage due to a flood in 2014, paving the way for the construction of the additional block as a part of the critical infrastructure under the JTFRP.
While the project for the construction of the additional block at Bone & Joint Hospital was approved in 2015, works finally began in 2019, leading to expected completion after over 5 years.
