Anantnag, April 3: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today inaugurated a state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI facility at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, along with three modular operation theatres and a Virectomy Machine in the Ophthalmology department of the associated hospital.

MLAs Abdul Majeed Bhat, Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, Showkat Ahmad Ganie, and Peerzada Feroze Ahmad, along with senior GMC officials, district officers, and local residents, attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Itoo said the new MRI and operation theatres reflect the government’s commitment to modernizing healthcare in South Kashmir, ensuring advanced diagnostic and surgical services close to patients’ homes. She highlighted that the GMC Anantnag Cath Lab, established under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has already been a game-changer for cardiac care in the region.
The Minister emphasized that these facilities will reduce patient referrals to Srinagar, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment for neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, oncological, and ophthalmic conditions. She also noted improvements such as the relocation of the pediatric section to GMC Anantnag and the provision of a functional sarai for patients’ attendants.
Itoo urged doctors and paramedics to maintain compassion and professionalism, stressing that public trust in government hospitals depends on the quality of care. She added that the government remains focused on upgrading hospitals, expanding medical seats, and introducing cutting-edge technologies across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in rural areas.
The inauguration marks a significant step in strengthening South Kashmir’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring advanced medical services are accessible and patient-centric.