The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

SRINAGAR: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today informed the Legislative Assembly that the government has accorded top priority to ensure availability and functionality of critical-care equipment in Government Medical Institutions. The administration is taking all necessary steps for timely restoration and maintenance of ventilators at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, she added.

The Minister stated this while replying to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Legislator Javid Hassan Baig. The Minister informed the House that 14 ventilators have been installed at GMC Baramulla comprising five Hamilton, five Evolution and four Oxivent units, all of foreign make requiring specialised consumables and servicing through certified agencies. She said the functionality status of all ventilators has been examined in detail and remedial measures have already been initiated.

She said that the government is according top priority to the early restoration of all non-functional ventilators and strengthening the maintenance mechanism for critical-care equipment. “Our foremost priority is to ensure that critical-care facilities remain fully functional and readily available for patients. We are taking all necessary measures to strengthen the system, address maintenance-related issues and ensure preparedness to meet any eventuality,” she said.

The Minister said that as an interim measure, the department has also taken up the matter directly with the concerned company's headquarters to secure the required consumables and servicing support, thereby ensuring continuity of critical-care services.

The Minister further informed the House that the earlier Biomedical Equipment Maintenance & Management Programme (BEMMP) arrangement through Mediciti Healthcare Services Private Limited under JKMSCL has expired and the matter is presently under consideration with JKMSCL for finalisation of a sustainable and effective maintenance mechanism.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

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