Imran Naikoo
Srinagar, Dec 5 :
Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo, while addressing the 43rd Annual Day of SKIMS at SKICC on Friday, said the government has strengthened healthcare delivery across Jammu & Kashmir by upgrading diagnostic and treatment facilities in district and tertiary hospitals.
She said that equipment gaps have been largely filled this year, adding:
“We’ve tried to provide CT scans in every hospital and dialysis centres in every district hospital. Most of the demands have been fulfilled and I assure you we will continue to improve.”
The minister credited NC President and Former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah for leading reforms in the health sector, stating that referrals outside J&K have significantly reduced due to improved facilities within the UT.
Referring to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s vision, she said the late leader wanted Kashmir to evolve into a centre for medical excellence so that people from Ramban to Kishtwar no longer had to travel to Delhi or Mumbai for treatment.
Itoo urged doctors to remain committed to their duties and assured them of continuous support from the government. She also requested the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to develop an auditorium at SKIMS for academic and institutional events.
“Our doctors are capable, our mission is clear and our commitment is strong, we will continue to work together for better healthcare in J&K,” she said.
