SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Thursday conducted an extensive inspection of the Government Medical College (GMC) and Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) Jammu to assess medical facilities, ongoing projects, and ensure quality healthcare for the region.
Accompanied by Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Principal and Dean GMC Jammu, and other senior officials, the Minister reviewed infrastructure, patient care services, and cleanliness standards at the facilities.
During her visit, Sakeena Itoo inspected key sections, including the BSL Lab, VRDL ICMR Lab, Chopra Nursing Home, and other units, emphasising the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic tools, and adequate manpower to enhance patient care.
In a meeting held later, the Minister reviewed the progress of various ongoing projects at GMC and Associated Hospitals, including Bone and Joint Hospital, SMGS Hospital, MCCH Gandhinagar, State Cancer Institute Jammu, and Chest Disease Hospital. She examined infrastructure upgrades, under-construction buildings, and the procurement of modern medical equipment.
Sakeena Itoo lauded the hospital administration for their efforts in providing quality healthcare but stressed the need for continuous improvements. She directed officials to address bottlenecks in project execution and ensure timely completion to enhance efficiency and patient care standards.
“Improving healthcare infrastructure and providing accessible, high-quality medical facilities remain top priorities for the government,” she said, urging officials to adopt a patient-centric approach and work in synergy.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in health institutions, advocating for the use of modern technology to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
At the Super Speciality Hospital, Sakeena Itoo inaugurated an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to address growing emergency needs. She also inspected the Brachytherapy Centre and PET-CT Scan facility, advising the administration to notify diagnostic test rates for patient convenience.
The Minister called for decongesting the GMC emergency section to ensure effective patient treatment. “Facilitate the public to maximise the benefits of these advanced healthcare facilities,” she urged hospital officials.
The inspection and review reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on infrastructure development and patient satisfaction. (KNO)
