Jammu, Mar 6: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo on Thursday underscored the vital role of pharmacists and paramedics in strengthening the healthcare delivery system across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the National Pharmacy Education Day celebrations held at the Madr-e-Meharban Campus of Health Sciences (MMCHS), Chak Bhalwal in Jammu.
Speaking on the occasion, Itoo said pharmacists and paramedics form an indispensable pillar of the healthcare ecosystem, ensuring safe, effective and rational treatment for patients. She noted that with rapid advancements in medical science and pharmaceutical technologies, the role of paramedics has expanded significantly beyond dispensing medicines to include patient counselling, clinical research, drug safety monitoring and promotion of public health.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said skilled paramedic professionals are essential for achieving universal health coverage and improving healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
“Paramedics and pharmacists act as a bridge between doctors and patients. Their expertise ensures medicines are used safely and effectively, thereby safeguarding patient health,” she said, adding that the government is regularly filling vacancies in the paramedical sector to enhance healthcare service delivery across the Union Territory.
Itoo advised students to uphold the values of compassion, dedication and patient care after entering the professional field, noting that empathy remains a defining quality of successful healthcare professionals.
Highlighting the growing menace of drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister called upon all stakeholders to support the government in tackling the issue. She also stressed the need for greater public awareness regarding the proper use of medicines and the risks associated with self-medication.
“Pharmacists and paramedics have a key responsibility in guiding patients about correct medication practices and preventing misuse of drugs,” she said.
The Minister appreciated the role of the Madr-e-Meharban institution in nurturing competent healthcare professionals and training students in accordance with the New Education Policy to enhance their employability prospects. She also encouraged students to pursue innovation, research and ethical practices in pharmaceutical sciences.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Director of the college Dr. R.K. Raina highlighted the institution’s role in promoting pharmacy education, responsible healthcare practices and improving healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir.
Later, the Minister distributed certificates and prizes to winners of poster-making and essay-writing competitions and felicitated meritorious students and those who excelled in various sports activities.
Principal of the college Dr. Syed Assadullah, principals of other institutions, representatives of the Pharmacy Council, faculty members and a large number of students were present on the occasion