Srinagar, May 10: Management of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura has started the construction work on Rs 11 crore sarai (resting place) for the attendants of patients visiting the institute from far flung areas of the Valley and outside.
 “It (sarai) would be a home away from home for patients and their families,” Director SKIMS Dr Showkat Zargar told Greater Kashmir.
 The community based not-for-profit facility would provide accommodation for patients and their families who visit the institute for specialized treatment for various diseases including cancer.
 “Patients receiving treatment for long term degenerative disease like cancer etc and families of very sick children can also stay in the Sarai,” Dr Zargar said.
 With the construction of first phase of development recently started by the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC), the Sarai would have 72 individual rooms including a few dormitories for patients and their families, the director said.
 “Cost of the accommodation will be kept very low, with guests paying about very nominal for each night they stay at the facility,” he said.
 “We really encourage their support while they're here. The idea is to supply safe, secure and affordable accommodation, so we're not adding to the stress and financial stress of organizing accommodation,” Dr Zargar said.
 “Presently the construction of the first building is on, and we expect to see the completion of both the buildings in less than two years,” Executive Engineer, Zahoor Ahmad said.
 “The rooms will be fitted with beds, a kitchenette, common toilets, canteen and lift for the convenience of the patients,” Ahmad added.
 Pertinently, the resting facility is the major concern in Valley’s prime hospital visited by large number of patients after the lone resting facility ‘Birla Sarai’ was taken over by the employees during the days of turmoil.
 Dr Zargar said they had taken up various mega projects for upgradation of the institute which would add 200 additional beds to the institute. “We have already sent the proposals to the government and these are likely to be approved by this year,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 10 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 10 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 IST