SRINAGAR: Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday said the Jammu and Kashmir Government had recruited 900 doctors over the past two years to address staff shortages, particularly in remote and far-flung areas.
She made the announcement while inaugurating a New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) at Chukar in Tangmarg, constructed at a cost of Rs 1.88 crore. MLA Gulmarg Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah was present on the occasion.
Emphasising the importance of strengthening primary healthcare, Itoo said the newly inaugurated facility would improve access to essential medical services for residents of Chukar and adjoining areas, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for basic treatment.
She said strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the availability of quality medical services, particularly in underserved areas, remained a priority of the government.
Highlighting the initiatives of the Omar Abdullah-led government, the Minister said efforts were being made to improve public infrastructure, address people’s concerns and ensure better delivery of essential services.
She directed the health authorities and medical staff to ensure the effective functioning of the newly inaugurated centre, adequate availability of essential medical facilities and dedicated patient care. She stressed that healthcare institutions must serve people with commitment, compassion and professionalism.
MLA Gulmarg Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah also addressed the gathering, highlighting the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the constituency and improve essential public services.
Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Nighat Yasmeen, Chief Medical Officer Baramulla Dr A G Raina, Block Medical Officer Pattan Dr Rumina Majeed, other officials, healthcare professionals and local residents attended the inauguration.
Earlier, the Minister inspected the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Sariwarpora in Pattan and reviewed the facilities and services available there.
She took stock of the institution’s functioning and stressed the need to ensure adequate medical facilities, proper patient care and efficient service delivery. She directed the concerned officials to address shortcomings, if any, and maintain standards of healthcare for the local population.
Later, accompanied by MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, MLA Pattan Javaid Riyaz and MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, Itoo visited the residence of the medical student from Dangerpora, Sopore, who died in Bangladesh.
The Minister expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of the government’s support and assistance during the difficult time.
