SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today chaired a review meeting to assess the status of health sector in the district, with emphasis on Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla and healthcare infrastructure in Rafiabad.

The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat Srinagar, was aimed to identify the critical gaps, evaluate service delivery mechanisms and explore strategies to strengthen the healthcare systems in GMC Baramulla and Medical Blocks of Rafiabad constituency. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, MD, NHM J&K, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary and other senior functionaries of the Health Department.

The Minister undertook a detailed review of GMC Baramulla, which is the most important tertiary healthcare institution in the district catering to a large patient population. He emphasised the urgent need for augmenting the infrastructure, equipment, human resources and specialised services at the facility to ensure quality healthcare for the people of Baramulla and adjoining areas.

The review also focused on upgradation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) in Rohama, Sopore and other parts of Rafiabad. The Minister stressed the importance of filling up of the faculty and paramedical staff vacancies, improving diagnostics and ensuring proper functionality of essential services.

“Our priority is apt evaluation of service delivery systems across all levels, from accessibility to quality of care and patient satisfaction,” the Minister said, while directing the department to take time-bound steps for filling the critical requirements of the healthcare facilities.

He called for enhanced coordination among the departments to address the existing bottlenecks and promote integrated healthcare delivery models. “Strengthening healthcare institutions such as GMC Baramulla is integral to improving service delivery across the district”, the Minister emphasised.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here