KUPWARA: Minister of Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, School Education and Higher Education, Sakeena Masood today visited the construction site of Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara and took a detailed appraisal of the construction site as well as the progress of ongoing works.
During the visit, the Minister took a detailed round of the construction site and took a first-hand assessment of the ongoing works.
She held detailed deliberations with the engineers of the project executing agency and sought details from them about the present status of the project as well as issues about its smooth execution.
While interacting with the officers of the executing agency, Sakeena Masood highlighted that the purpose of her visit was to check the construction site and its feasibility, so that the project could be taken to its logical end.
At the construction site of GMC Handwara, the Minister was apprised by the Executive Engineer R&B that the under-construction GMC project costs Rs 325 crore and has 251 kanals of land in possession. 17 buildings are to be constructed for GMC and work is in progress on 11 buildings while as work is in progress on a 200-bedded hospital building on the premises of District Hospital at Handwara.
ADC Handwara, Aziz Ahmed Rather; Director Coordination New Medical Colleges, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather; Principal GMC, Medical Superintendent District Hospital, officers of Sub-District Administration, Handwara and Engineers accompanied the Minister during the visit.
Later, the Minister also inspected the makeshift building of GMC Handwara and reviewed the functioning of the institution.
She held a brief meeting with the Principal GMC Handwara, faculty of the institution, officers of Sub-district administration and other concerned officers and took detailed appraisals from them about the functioning of the institution.
Addressing the officers during the meeting, the Minister directed them to fill vacant posts immediately so that the best medical care facilities are provided here. She added that this college caters to the vast population of rural areas and therefore you need to ensure that this health facility operates with the highest potential.
During the meeting, the Principal GMC also gave a detailed presentation on the functioning of the institution.
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Masood, today conducted a surprise inspection of Sub District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara to assess the current state of healthcare facilities in the health institute.
During the inspection, the Minister had a detailed round of the hospital and evaluated facilities at the General Wards, ICU, Pediatrics (NICU), Dialysis Center, CT Scan Unit, Operation Theatre, Maternity Ward and other units of the hospital. She thoroughly examined each unit, focusing on cleanliness, equipment availability and overall patient care.
Sakeena Masood, during the inspection, also interacted with the doctors and other paramedical staff of the hospital. She asked them to provide the best and quality healthcare services to the people. She also directed the hospital administration to keep doctors and paramedics available round the clock for the convenience of the patients.
“Work with more dedication and ensure that all patients, especially the ones coming from far-flung areas are provided better health care facilities,” she asked the doctors.
The Minister assured the hospital administration of her support in addressing staff shortages, upgrading infrastructure and procuring essential equipment. She also assured them that accommodation, infrastructure and other facilities at SDH Kupwara will be upgraded on priority basis, as this hospital caters to far-off areas of the district and has huge flow of patients.
She further directed the hospital administration to submit a comprehensive report outlining the hospital’s requirements and other issues related to the functioning of the hospital.
During the inspection, the Minister also held detailed interactions with patients and their attendants. She listened to their experiences and concerns and took first-hand appraisal from them about the medical care being provided at the hospital. “Our government is for the people and we are committed to addressing your issues and concerns proactively,” Sakeena Masood said. “Your feedback is essential for bringing improvements in essential public infrastructure and other services,” she added.
