Srinagar, October 8: The Press Club of Kashmir (PCK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Paras Health Srinagar to provide concessional healthcare facilities to journalists under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) cash-based plan.
The MoU was signed by Mohammad Saleem Pandit, President of the Press Club of Kashmir, and Dr. Murtaza Habib, Director of Facilities at Paras Health, during a formal event held in Srinagar on Wednesday.
Under the agreement, journalists in the Valley and their family members will be able to avail medical services at Paras Hospital at CGHS cash rates. The arrangement will come into effect on October 20, 2025, after completing necessary formalities such as the submission of dependent details and payment of a one-time fee of ₹2,000 for the issuance of a privilege card, which will bear the signatures of both the PCK President and the Paras Health Director.
The partnership aims to ensure accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for journalists and their dependents, easing their financial burden during medical emergencies. Paras Health, accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) and empanelled with CGHS across several departments, has established itself as a reliable healthcare institution in Jammu & Kashmir.
As part of the MoU’s implementation, all listed members and their dependents — including parents — will be eligible for treatment and diagnostic procedures at CGHS cash rates.
Meanwhile, Paras Health today organized a medical camp at the Press Club premises in Amira Kadal, Srinagar, offering free consultations and basic health checkups for journalists.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Murtaza Habib said that Paras Health plans to hold similar camps in the future to extend healthcare outreach across the Union Territory. “Our goal is to reach out to every section of society and make quality healthcare easily accessible,” he said.
President Mohammad Saleem Pandit termed the MoU a significant step toward improving the welfare of journalists in Kashmir and appreciated Paras Health for the collaboration.
