Sakeena Itoo conducts whirlwind tour of South Kashmir, assesses post-snowfall scenario, inspects functioning of district Hospitals, GMC Anantnag

• Assesses snow clearance operations, availability of essential commodities, restoration of essential services

PULWAMA/SHOPIAN/KULGAM/ANANTNAG: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today undertook a comprehensive tour of South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian to gather first hand account of impact of recent snowfall in these districts. She chaired meetings at each district headquarter and took stock of snow clearance operations, availability of essential commodities, restoration of essential services like water supply and power supply and other public welfare measures.

At Pulwama, Sakeena Itoo inspected district hospital and took stock of medical facilities available for patients. She interacted with on duty doctors and paramedical staff at these hospitals. The Minister also chaired a meeting at district headquarters Pulwama and took stock of post snowfall scenario in the district. Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, senior officers of district administration and other concerned district and sectoral officers were also present in the meeting.

Later, Sakeena Itoo visited Shopian and chaired a meeting to review snow clearance operations and provision of essential service delivery in the district. Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar apprised the Minister of snow clearance plans in place and prompt response of the administration in snow clearance and restoration of power and road connectivity post yesterdays snowfall.

During her visit, the Minister also inspected District Control Room to review its functioning and the grievance redressal mechanism in place for winter mitigation measures. She also inspected the District Hospital Shopian and reviewed the healthcare facilities. She emphasized on the augmenting heating arrangements in healthcare institutions across the district. MLA Zainapora, Showkat Hussain Ganie; MLA Rajpora, Gh.Mohi-ud-din Mir and other senior officers also accompanied the Minister during the visit.

Afterwards, the Minister visited district Kulgam and took stock of post-snowfall scenario in the district. She chaired a meeting with the administration of district and reviewed snow clearance operations, availability of essential services and other public welfare measures in the district. MLA Devsar, Peerzada Feroz Ahmad; Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, district and sectoral officers were present in the meeting.

Addressing the officers during the meeting, the Minister stressed upon the officers for timely clearance of snow in several remote areas which are blocked due to recent snowfall. She asked them to prioritise roads leading to hospitals and other essential service institutions. The Minister also called for timely restoration of drinking water supply in affected areas. She directed the concerned officers for regular deployment of drinking water tankers in affected areas till restoration.

During the visit, the Minister also inspected district hospital Kulgam and took stock of medical care facilities. She inspected different sections of the hospital and also interacted with on duty doctors, staff patients and their attendants. She stressed on the district administration for augmenting heating arrangements in view of the harsh cold.

Later, Sakeena Itoo visited district Anantnag and took stock of post snowfall scenario. She also visited GMC and Associated Hospital Anantnag and took stock of medical care facilities at the facility. Chairing a meet at district headquarters Anantnag, the Minister called upon the officers of district administration for timely restoration of all essential services.

While reviewing the snow clearance operations in the district, the Minister delved upon the officers for timely restoration of connectivity in all remote areas. She asked them to prioritise roads leading to hospitals, CHCs and PHCs. She also asked to provide alternative sources of drinking water in affected areas till pipelines are restored.

During the meeting, the Minister said that the government is working round the clock to address the immediate challenges brought about by the heavy snowfall. “Our priority is to ensure that basic services are restored swiftly and that no one is left behind”, Sakeena said. She highlighted that the district administrations have been directed to continue their efforts and provide relief in the most effective and timely manner.

Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, senior officers of district administration and other concerned district and sectoral officers were also present in the meeting. Pertinently, the tour was held in the backdrop of Chief Minister’s direction of moving around the districts to review the situation on the ground.