Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Apr 1: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has flagged delays and shortfalls in the implementation of the Emergency COVID Response Package-II (ECRP-II) in J&K, revealing that several key health infrastructure targets remained unachieved well past the March 2022 deadline.
In its audit report on Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services for the period ended March 2022 (Report No. 2 of 2025, Performance Audit – Civil), recently tabled in the Assembly, the CAG highlighted multiple gaps in execution of centrally funded health schemes aimed at strengthening pandemic preparedness.
The audit also examined the earlier Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package (COVID Package), approved by the Government of India in November 2020 for the Union Territory at a cost of Rs 171.70 crore.
The package focused on testing and laboratory strengthening, procurement (excluding central supply), engagement and incentivisation of additional human resources, and IEC activities related to COVID-19.
The report noted that out of Rs 43.74 crore received under the package by the Principal, Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, an amount of Rs 1.84 crore was advanced to various departments and associated hospitals between July 2020 and December 2021 for implementation of different activities.
However, neither adjustment accounts nor utilisation certificates were furnished by the concerned institution, due to which the actual utilisation of Rs 1.84 crore could not be ascertained.
According to the report, the Government of India approved Rs 211.04 crore in August 2021 under the “COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package Phase-II” for implementation between July 2021 and March 2022.
The package aimed to strengthen the public health system to manage COVID-19 and future health emergencies by enhancing testing capacity, expanding critical care infrastructure, and improving paediatric care facilities across hospitals.
As per the laid-down conditions, all approved activities were to be completed before March 2022. However, the audit found that several critical milestones were either delayed or not achieved.
The report noted that no RT-PCR laboratories had been established in 10 district hospitals, including Handwara and Ramban, even as late as June 2022, undermining efforts to scale up testing capacity.
Similarly, the proposed Paediatric Centres of Excellence at SMGS Hospital Jammu and the 500-bedded paediatric hospital in Bemina, Srinagar, had not been established as of December 2023.
These centres were intended to strengthen specialised care for children during the pandemic and beyond, but the delay was attributed to the non-installation of required software systems.
In terms of critical care infrastructure, 12-bedded ICUs planned for district hospitals in Ganderbal, Udhampur, Ramban, Anantnag, Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar Jammu, and Handwara were meant to boost intensive care capacity.
While works in Ganderbal, Ramban, Anantnag, and Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar Jammu were completed, projects in Udhampur and Handwara were still ongoing as of February 2023.
The report further pointed out that no reasons were furnished by the Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), J&K, for the failure to meet the stipulated targets.
The audit also highlighted gaps in paediatric care expansion. A 30-bedded paediatric ward planned at district hospitals in Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Udhampur was aimed at increasing dedicated child healthcare capacity.
While work was completed in Udhampur, only a 24-bedded ward was established in Ganderbal, and construction in Anantnag remained in progress as of February 2023, the report noted.
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