2 yrs on, Ayurvedic hospital extension project awaits funds

JALANDHAR: A proposal concerning the district Ayurvedic hospital extension is pending with the department for last two years, awaiting funds.

An estimated report of ₹ 3 crore was sent to senior officials for the construction of Panchakarma, Kshar Sutra Therapies, indoor OPD, emergency services, new rooms and machines after a joint meeting between officials of engineering wing and Ayurvedic department but the file is eating dust. Earlier many residents did not even know about the existence of the hospital but with the awareness among the public the patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD) increased subsequently from 20 to 50-60 patients per day. The hospital has only four rooms with four beds installed in one room.

Requesting anonymity, a senior doctor in department claimed the proposal was forwarded to higher officials but it is yet to get a green signal as the budget was not allocated. The encroachments, bushes weed outside the main gate display a picture of neglect.

Health minister Brahm Mohindra said “I will talk to concerned officials on Monday and will put things on track.” The health minister said he is particularly serious about the promotion of Ayurvedic hospitals in the state.