Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today laid the foundation stone of 100-bedded Rajiv Gandhi Hospital at Gangyal here, with an estimated cost of Rs 72.45 crore.
Under the National Rural Heatlh Mission scheme of the central government, the hospital will be constructed by Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board, and would house an OPD block, IPD block, operation theatres (OTs), ICU, NICU among other treatment and diagnostic facilities.
The Minister for Health, Family Welfare and Water Resources, while referring to the recent announcement of four medical colleges and two Cancer institutes for the state, Azad said one each would be established at Kupwara in Kashmir Valley and Udhampur district of Jammu.
The Union Minister said all possibilities would be explored to provide an exclusive Medical College for the people of twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch and directed concerned authorities to complete all the necessary formalities including land identification so that the work on these projects could be started at the earliest.
Spelling out the achievements of the UPA Government, Azad said in the last ten years the nation witnessed immense growth and development in all the sectors with focus on health, education and infrastructural improvement.
He referred to establishment of 51,000 health centres, opening of seven lakh new schools, construction of three lakh km new roads besides 6.50 lakh villages been connected with Tehsil and block headquarters.
The Minister also unveiled the statue of former prime minister Indira Gandhi at Indira Chowk here.
Paying homage to the leader, Azad said Gandhi has left an indelible mark on the country's history with her vision and ideals which have shaped the India of today.
Recalling his association with the leader, Azad said her ideology has a deep impact on his life and career, adding, that it was her encouragement that helped the party cadre to work for the development and prosperity of the country.
"She will always be remembered for her contribution for strengthening the values of secularism, socialism and unity of the country," Azad said.
Among others present on the occasion are J&K Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, Ministers Taj Mohi-u-din, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Raman Bhalla, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Abdul Majid Wani, Manohar Lal Sharma, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Vikar Rasool Wani, MP's Ch.Lal Singh and Madan Lal Sharma.
