The president of the Press Club of Kashmir, Mohammad Saleem Pandit, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday with Dr. Murtaza Habib, Director of Facilities at Paras Health in Srinagar. This agreement, made under the CGHS scheme, will provide healthcare services to valley journalists at Paras Hospital at concessional rates.
The arrangement will become operational from October 20, 2025, following the completion of several formalities, including the submission of names of dependents and a fee of Rs. 2000 for the issuance of the privilege card. President PCK Mohammad Saleem Pandit and Dr. Murtaza Habib of Paras Health will co-sign these cards.
This agreement facilitates access to medical services at reduced rates for journalists, significantly enhancing healthcare access within the field of journalism. The Press Club of Kashmir will issue special cards to its members, extending this healthcare facility to family members and parents of the journalists as well.
The partnership aims to deliver comprehensive, affordable, and reliable healthcare to journalists in the Kashmir Valley. By utilizing CGHS cash rates, the initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burden associated with medical treatments. Additionally, Paras Health’s NABH accreditation ensures that high-quality standards are upheld in their healthcare services.
Paras Health Srinagar is already empanelled with CGHS across various departments and possesses certification under tax exemption (17/28). With modern infrastructure and a skilled professional team, Paras Health has established itself as a leading healthcare provider in the region.
As outlined in the MoU, journalists and their dependents will have access to all procedures at CGHS cash rates, including family and parents.
Meanwhile, the Paras Hospital today held the medical camp at the club premises at Amira Kadal in Srinagar.
Speaking at the event, Dr Murtaza Habid told media persons that these types of camps would be organised in the near future. He said the hospital aimed to reach out to the people of the UT. (KINS)
