DC Budgam presides over ICMR-SHINE Programme at MRHRU Khag

BUDGAM : Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, today presided over ICMR-SHINE Programme held at the Model Rural Health Research Unit (MRHRU), Khag, Budgam, in collaboration with ICMR-NICHR, New Delhi, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The two-day programme, held from today, brought together health officials, researchers, doctors, academicians and community members for discussions on health awareness, community engagement, evidence-based practices and strengthening rural healthcare.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts of MRHRU Khag and its partner institutions for promoting health research and community-focused healthcare initiatives.
He stressed the need to better connect health research with on-ground implementation, saying that evidence-based research should lead to real improvements in healthcare delivery and health outcomes, especially in rural and underserved areas.
He also highlighted the importance of community participation in public health efforts, noting that lasting improvements in healthcare require teamwork between health institutions, researchers, frontline workers, the district administration and the community.
An informative session was also delivered by Dr. Mohd Caser, Scientist-C (Medical) and In-charge, MRHRU Khag, ICMR-NICHR, New Delhi, who spoke about the objectives of the ICMR-SHINE Programme and how research institutions can help address local health challenges.
The programme was attended by CMO Budgam Dr. Gulzar Ahmad, HOD SPM, GMC Srinagar Dr. Mohd Iqbal Pandith, Tehsildar Khag, BMO Khag, Dr. Mariya Amin, Assistant Professor, GMC Srinagar, Dr. Inaamul Haq, Associate Professor, GMC Srinagar, Dr. Mohd Naser, State Coordinator, State Tobacco Cell Kashmir (DHSK), Dr. Mohd Iqbal Khan, Assistant Professor, IUST Awantipora, along with senior district officers, doctors, academicians, healthcare workers and other officials.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner also visited PHC Khag to review the healthcare facilities available for the local population.
He inspected different wards and sections of the hospital and interacted with patients as well as medical and paramedical staff to take stock of services and patient care arrangements.
He instructed the hospital administration and staff to ensure smooth, accessible and patient-friendly services, with special focus on timely care and proper use of available facilities.