ANANTNAG: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo today laid the foundation stone of Government Degree College (GDC) Mattan and new building for Primary Health Centre (PHC) Mattan, to expand access to higher education and better healthcare facilities to public, which form the core of Governance of present Government led by Omar Abdullah.
MLA Shangus-Anantnag East Reyaz Ahmad Khan; MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi; Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Director Colleges, Director School Education Kashmir, Director Coordination new GMCs, Director Health Services Kashmir, other senior officers of district administration, students and large number of locals were also present on the occasion.
Addressing a mammoth gathering after laying foundation stone for college building, Minister Sakeena reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable development across all sectors, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. “Education and health form the backbone of a progressive society. Establishing a degree college and a full-fledged health centre in Mattan reflects our vision to empower the youth of this area and around it with quality learning opportunities as well as ensuring accessible healthcare for every citizen”, she stated.
Minister Sakeena further remarked that education is the most powerful weapon which can bring positive changes in the world.
The Minister highlighted that the college building will be equipped with modern classrooms, laboratories, library and other advanced facilities, in order to promote holistic learning and provide new academic opportunities for the youth.
During the address, the Minister also highlighted various achievements of the Government, adding that significant strides have been made in vital sectors of Health and Education. She added that an ample number of posts in these departments have been referred to recruiting agencies, adding that vacancies of Principals in all Colleges have been filled, almost to provide a better learning environment for the students.
The Minister further said that Doctors, Lecturers, Assistant Professors, and Paramedical staff has been recruited in the last year and posted in deserving areas to provide the best and quality educational and health care services to the students and locals.
The Minister, on the occasion, also announced that bus for the students will also be provided as the college caters to a large area. She also announced that Science stream will also be started in the college from next academic session, besides other streams as per demand of students will also be started.
Reflecting on the commitment of Omar Abdullah-led government to holistic development of health infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, Minister Sakeena highlighted that advanced medical care facilities are being established in J&K, with special focus on far-flung and underserved areas.
She added that the new building of Primary Health Centre Mattan will be equipped best and diagnostic facilities so as to ensure timely and advanced medical attention at the local level.
MLA Shangus-Anantnag East, Reyaz Ahmad Khan, and MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi, also spoke on the occasion.
Later, the Minister also visited Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Seer and inaugurated the newly established Physiotherapy Unit.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Sakeena said that this facility will strengthen rehabilitative and therapeutic healthcare services in the area. She added that the unit is equipped with modern physiotherapy equipment and trained staff to assist patients recovering from orthopaedic, neurological, and post-surgical conditions.
The Health Minister on the occasion, also interacted with the medical staff and local residents, assuring them of continued support in upgrading healthcare services and addressing manpower gaps. She also directed health officials to maintain high standards of patient care and cleanliness in all health facilities.
During the visit, the Minister also interacted with locals and the general public, who raised various issues and problems with the Minister. She assured them of prompt redressal of these issues. The locals expressed gratitude to the Minister for the Government’s proactive approach in bringing vital educational and health infrastructure to the area.
