Jammu, Nov 2: Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Monday reviewed the functioning of healthcare institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, directing officials to procure around 100 ambulances, including adequate 4x4 vehicles for hilly and remote areas.
She also called for the immediate posting of recently recruited medical officers to address staff shortages in government healthcare institutions.
During a comprehensive review meeting attended by senior health officials, directors, principals of medical colleges and hospital administrators, the Minister assessed medical facilities, manpower availability, infrastructure development, medicine supplies and patient-care services across the Union Territory.
Emphasising the need to strengthen food safety and drug testing, Itoo directed the department to procure additional mobile testing vans to expand testing facilities across J&K.
She called for rational deployment of doctors, specialists, nurses and paramedical staff based on patient load and institutional requirements, with priority to remote and underserved areas.
"The backbone of our public health system is its doctors, paramedics and other healthcare professionals. We must ensure that no institution suffers due to avoidable manpower gaps," she said.
Reviewing infrastructure projects, the Minister directed officials to ensure timely completion of ongoing works, proper maintenance of existing facilities and early operationalisation of completed projects. She stressed that infrastructure must be adequately equipped and staffed to deliver effective patient care.
Itoo also emphasised strengthening primary and secondary healthcare, diagnostic services, emergency facilities, ambulance networks, referral systems and critical care infrastructure.
On medicine availability, she called for a robust procurement and distribution mechanism, strict quality control and timely supply of essential and life-saving drugs, surgical consumables and functional medical equipment to all government health institutions.
Highlighting preventive healthcare, the Minister stressed sustained efforts in immunisation, maternal and child healthcare, disease surveillance, early diagnosis and public awareness.
She directed senior officers to undertake regular field visits, monitor hospital functioning and ensure prompt redressal of public grievances. Patient safety, cleanliness, accountability and dignified treatment, she said, must remain non-negotiable.
Reiterating the Government's commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare, Itoo called for coordinated efforts, measurable targets and time-bound implementation of decisions to improve service delivery across both divisions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Commissioner Secretary Health and Medical Education Saugat Biswas, MD NHM, CEO SHA, Managing Director JKMSCL, Director SKIMS, Directors of Health Services Jammu and Kashmir, principals of Government Medical Colleges and other senior officers attended the meeting.