Healthcare reach being expanded across J&K: Sakeena Itoo

KATHUA : Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Thursday dedicated a newly constructed Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Kharote to the public bringing healthcare closer to rural communities in the district.
Built at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.67 crore, the health facility is expected to ease the difficulties faced by residents of Kharote and nearby panchayats who earlier had to travel long distances for basic medical care. The centre will now provide accessible primary healthcare services at their doorstep.
Addressing a large gathering after inauguration ceremony, the Minister underlined that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is placing special emphasis on strengthening healthcare and education sectors, describing them as the backbone of public welfare.
“Our focus is to ensure that quality healthcare reaches every citizen, especially those living in remote and rural areas,” she stated. She added that upgrading and improving medical infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir remains a key priority of the government.
Highlighting recent healthcare initiatives, the Health Minister said that advanced diagnostic facilities like MRI, Cath Lab and CT Scan services are being installed in major hospitals on priority. She added that Dialysis units have also been set up in several hospitals to provide relief to kidney patients who earlier struggled for access to treatment.
The Minister stressed that government hospitals must become reliable and efficient institutions for common people and underlined the need to strengthen existing facilities by ensuring adequate doctors, paramedics and essential medical equipment.
Responding to public demands raised during the event, the Minister directed the Director Health Services to provide an ambulance for PHC Kharote. She also assured that the feasibility of starting an ultrasound facility, along with the required staff, would be examined.
She also instructed the district administration to undertake blacktopping of the approach road leading to the health centre to improve accessibility.
Emphasising patient-friendly healthcare, the Minister said that additional ultrasound units are being planned for Government Medical Colleges to reduce waiting time and improve patient access.
Speaking regarding education sector, the Minister noted that college enrolment in Kashmir’s winter zone has increased by nearly 12 percent, while examination results for Classes 10th, 11th and 12th have also shown marked improvement. She expressed optimism that similar progress would soon be seen in the Jammu region’s summer zone.
The Minister also called for collective action against drug abuse, urging teachers and professors to play an active role in spreading awareness among youth. She said the health department is strengthening rehabilitation, counselling and treatment services, while police efforts remain crucial in tackling the menace.
Earlier, the MLA Kathua, Dr. Bharat Bhushan expressed gratitude to Minister for personally intervening to complete the PHC building, stating that the facility would benefit thousands of residents in the area.
Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Rajesh Sharma; Director Health Services Jammu, Director Family Welfare, Director Social Welfare Jammu, senior officers of district administration and large number of locals were also present on the occasion.