Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today said the Omar Abdullah-led government has given top priority to strengthening healthcare facilities across Jammu and Kashmir with particular focus on rural and far-flung areas.

The Minister made these remarks while inaugurating various health facilities in several villages of Kulgam and Anantnag districts of South Kashmir.

At Arwani village, the Health Minister inaugurated newly constructed New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) built at an estimated cost of Rs 2.71 crores.

MLA Bijbehara-Srigufwara, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Veeri; CMO Kulgam, BMO Qaimoh, other senior officers and large number of locals were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that establishing these health facilities is part of larger vision of the government to ensure quality, accessible and affordable health care facilities are available grassroots level.

She highlighted that the government led by Omar Abdullah is making sustained efforts to upgrade health facilities across Jammu and Kashmir. She noted that improving medical infrastructure, especially in rural and far-flung areas, is a top priority of Government to bridge the gap in service delivery and reduce the burden on tertiary hospitals.

MLA Bijbehara-Srigufwara also addressed the gathering, highlighting recent achievements of the government.

Later, Sakeena Itoo also visited Fathepora Anantnag and Brinty Anantnag and inaugurated newly constructed NTPHC and PHC respectively, in presence of MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majeed Larmi; ADC Anantnag, CMO Anantnag, BMO Verinag, other senior officers of health department and large number of locals.

Addressing a mammoth gatherings after inaugurations at these locations, the Health Minister highlighted that the inauguration of this centres marks a step forward in Government’s resolve to make healthcare delivery more inclusive and accessible. She added that Government’s commitment is to ensure that no patient is left unattended and every family has access to timely and affordable treatment close to their homes.

The Minister underlined that the Government is working to ensure better medical facilities are available in every nook and corner of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in rural and far-flung areas. “From new health centres to MRI and cath labs, Government’s focus is to improve patient care and provide facilities at doorsteps of people”, Minister Sakeena said.

She further highlighted that these health care centres will be equipped with modern diagnostic facilities, essential medicines, maternal and child health services, and trained medical staff to address both preventive and curative needs of the local community.

MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majeed Larmi also spoke on these occasions.

Earlier, Sakeena Itoo also conducted surprise inspection of Government Higher Secondary School Fathepora Anantnag and reviewed the educational standards of the institution.

The Minister took detailed round of school premises and interacted with the faculty and other school staff.

She also interacted with students and took feedback from them about the quality of education being imparted in the institution.