Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today conducted a detailed review of the performance, functioning, and infrastructure development of Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) at Anantnag, Srinagar, Baramulla, and Handwara.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, MD JKMSCL, Principals and Medical Superintendents of all GMCs, Directors of Finance/Planning, Chief Engineers of R&B and Mechanical departments, and other officers.
During the review, the Minister assessed academic performance, patient care services, manpower status, and ongoing infrastructure projects. She highlighted that GMCs are central to the region’s tertiary healthcare network and must ensure high-quality education, patient services, transparency, and accountability.
“These medical colleges are not only centres of academic excellence but also critical institutions providing accessible and affordable healthcare. Our focus is on ensuring efficient functioning and modern facilities for both patients and students,” said Itoo.
She directed executing agencies to expedite pending infrastructure projects, ensure strict adherence to quality and safety standards, and maintain regular progress monitoring. The Minister also emphasized better coordination between college administrations and the Public Works Department to remove project bottlenecks.
Human resource development, skill upgradation of medical and paramedical staff, and adoption of new technologies for improved healthcare delivery were also stressed. She instructed prioritization of patient satisfaction, biomedical waste management, and sanitation within hospitals.
Highlighting government initiatives, Minister Itoo noted the addition of around 200 MBBS seats and the establishment of high-end medical facilities in district and sub-district hospitals to enhance healthcare access. She directed MD JKMSCL to procure medical equipment as per requisitions and asked the Secretary Health to set up a committee for routine checks, including monitoring medicine expiry.
The Minister further called for reforms, including an online system for surgery appointments and promoting awareness of services available via the SEHAT App. She also emphasized ensuring free medicines for major health issues like cancer, kidney, and liver diseases.
Principals of the respective GMCs presented detailed reports on academic performance, infrastructure, patient care, and ongoing initiatives during the meeting.