Govt Committed to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, patient care across J&K: Minister Sakeena Itoo

• Announces additional block for Gousia Hospital Khanyar; tours Khanyar, Hazratbal constituencies
• Directs Administration to identify land for PHC Burzahama

SRINAGAR:  Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today said that the government is committed towards strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and ensuring quality patient care across Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister made these remarks during her day-long tour of healthcare institutions and medical facilities in the Khanyar and Hazratbal constituencies. She was accompanied by MLA Khanyar, Ali Mohammad Sagar and MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar besides others.

During the tour, the Minister visited the Urban Public Health Centre (UPHC) at S.R. Gunj and inspected the ongoing upgradation works. She directed the concerned authorities to expedite completion of the remaining works, including the rooftop, approach road and lift facility, so that the upgraded facility can be dedicated to the public at the earliest.

Sakeena Itoo said that the health centre is a significant project designed while preserving the area’s local heritage which will greatly enhance healthcare services for the residents. The Minister also visited Gousia Hospital, Khanyar, where she announced construction of an additional block on a nearby identified site to improve healthcare facilities for the local population and address the issues of space constraints and parking.

She directed the concerned departments to ensure all required formalities are completed promptly and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is prepared for the project. Inspecting the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) at Habbak Chowk, Hazratbal, the Minister announced that work on the approved 50-bedded hospital block will commence shortly.

“I am thankful to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for approving this important project. I also appreciate the consistent efforts of local MLA Salman Ali Sagar in pursuing this matter and securing its approval,” she said. The Minister stated that the government is focused on ensuring better patient care and modern healthcare facilities so that the people, particularly the economically weaker sections, do not have to depend on private hospitals for quality treatment.

She highlighted that significant improvement has been witnessed in the health sector. She informed that around 400 new doctors are being deployed across Jammu and Kashmir to address the staff shortages and improve service delivery.

“We are identifying and addressing the existing gaps in the healthcare system. Our objective is to provide accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to every citizen,” she said.

The Minister assured that the foundation stone for the new projects would be laid soon and that regular monitoring would be undertaken to ensure their timely completion and dedication to the public. She also appealed to the public to contribute towards maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in healthcare institutions, stressing that community participation is essential for better healthcare outcomes.

Speaking on the occasion, the local legislators expressed gratitude to the Minister for her proactive approach towards strengthening the healthcare services and infrastructure in their respective constituencies.

Later, the Minister visited Burzahama and directed the concerned authorities to identify suitable land for construction of a Primary Health Centre (PHC) to cater to the healthcare needs of the local population.

During her tour, several individual and public delegations met the Minister and apprised her of various issues and demands. She assured them that all their genuine concerns would be examined and addressed on priority.

Senior officers including MD KPDCL, VC LCMA,  Director School Education Kashmir, Principal GMC Srinagar,  Chief Engineer R&B, ADC Srinagar and other senior officers from concerned departments also accompanied the Minister during the tour.