Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today called for more resilient construction practices and cost-effective approach to infrastructure development across Jammu and Kashmir in view of increasing frequency of floods.

The Minister stated this while chairing a high-level review meeting at Civil Secretariat here to assess the functioning of various departments and take stock of ongoing development and restoration works across Jammu division in view of recent cloudbursts. The meeting was attended by Managing Director, J&K Medical Supply Corporation; Mission Director, Poshan/ICDS J&K; Director, FCS&CA Jammu; Director School Education Jammu; Director Social Welfare Jammu; Director Colleges J&K; Director Health Services Jammu; Director Ayush J&K; Director Family Welfare J&K; all concerned Chief Engineers of R&B, PDD, I&FC and PHE Jammu, besides Principals of GMC Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Doda and Rajouri, either in person or through video conferencing

During the meeting, the Minister undertook a comprehensive review of the functioning of the various departments, with particular focus on delivery of essential public services, infrastructure restoration, healthcare preparedness, supply of essential commodities and implementation of welfare and education-related schemes.

Taking detailed feedback on the damage caused to public infrastructure in Rajouri and other areas due to recent floods, Sakeena Itoo sought status report on restoration of roads, macadamization, drinking water supply and other essential services in the affected areas.

Calling for a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to infrastructure development, the Minister said that the increasing frequency of floods requires to move towards more resilient construction practices.

“We have to learn from the recurring floods and build infrastructure that is capable of withstanding such challenges. Lightweight and cost-effective construction technologies should be explored wherever feasible so that public money is utilized judiciously while ensuring durability and resilience”, she observed.

She directed the concerned departments to maintain close coordination during restoration works and ensure that people in affected areas do not face prolonged disruption of essential services.

The Minister also reviewed the healthcare scenario in Jammu and took detailed feedback from the health authorities regarding the preparedness of healthcare institutions on water borne diseases due to monsoon rains.

Sakeena Itoo directed the Health, Education and PHE departments to work in close coordination and undertake preventive and awareness measures on a sustained basis to contain the spread of water borne diseases .

“Dengue prevention requires a coordinated response. Health, Education and PHE departments must work together at the field level and ensure that preventive measures, sanitation and awareness activities reach every vulnerable area”, the Minister said.

Emphasizing the importance of hygiene in healthcare institutions, Sakeena Itoo directed the concerned authorities to ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation in and around hospitals and other health facilities.

She further called for issuance of a comprehensive public advisory to educate people about preventive measures and symptoms of dengue and advised the health authorities to strengthen public awareness campaigns.

The Minister directed that students be sensitized about preventive measures, including the importance of wearing full-sleeve clothing, particularly in areas vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases. She also asked the concerned authorities to ensure that testing laboratories remain fully equipped and functional so that suspected cases are tested without unnecessary delay.

“Awareness and timely testing are critical in controlling dengue. Our laboratories and health facilities must remain prepared, while schools should actively contribute to creating awareness among children and families”, Sakeena Itoo added.

The Minister also reviewed the supply and distribution of ration and other essential commodities across Jammu division.

The Minister directed the department to maintain effective monitoring of the supply chain and ensure timely delivery of essential commodities, particularly in areas affected by adverse weather conditions and natural calamities.

Sakeena Itoo laid stress on the need for strengthening coordination among departments for effective implementation of government schemes and delivery of citizen-centric services.

“Every department has a direct responsibility towards the people. Our focus should be on timely delivery of services, regular monitoring and prompt resolution of issues. There should be no avoidable delay in matters concerning public welfare”, she said.

Minister called for greater accountability at every level and directed senior officers to regularly monitor the progress of works and schemes within their respective jurisdictions.

“Coordination, transparency and accountability must remain the guiding principles of our functioning. Officers should ensure that decisions taken at the government level translate into visible outcomes on the ground”, the Minister maintained.

Sakeena Itoo also emphasized on the need for continuous field-level assessment and timely corrective measures, directing the officers to remain responsive to emerging challenges and ensure that public services are not disrupted.

The Minister called upon all concerned departments to work with a shared sense of responsibility and urgency to improve service delivery, strengthen public infrastructure and ensure effective implementation of welfare, health, education and development programmes across Jammu division.