JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting regarding cleanliness and sanitation measures in Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), District Hospitals and Sub-district hospitals of Kashmir division, as well as other facilities at Civil Secretariat here, with special focus on preparedness for the upcoming winter season.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed; Managing Director, JKMSCL, Tariq Hussain Ganai; Director Family Welfare and Immunization, Director Planning Health and Medical Education, Principals of all GMCs of Kashmir, Medical Superintendents of all hospitals, Chief Medical Officers of all Kashmir districts and other concerned officers of health department, either in person or through video conferencing.
During the review, the Minister assessed the availability of healthcare services, patient care mechanisms, manpower deployment and infrastructure status in major healthcare institutions as well as sanitation and cleanliness measures across these health facilities.
The Minister emphasized on the need for improved sanitation and cleanliness in the hospitals. “Everyone has role in management and cleanliness of hospitals, not just medical superintendents or Principals,” Minister Sakeena said. She directed the Medical Superintendents not to allow any kind of food or eatables inside the hospitals from outside. She also called for complete ban on polythene bags inside the hospital premises.
The Minister directed the Principals and Medical Superintendents to form Committees at their levels who would carry inspection regarding cleanliness in their respective hospitals on daily basis. She further directed them to carry out awareness among the attendants regarding Dos and Don’ts in the hospital premises.
She also called upon the Secretary Health to establish a Central Control Room on which people can report feedback or any issues related to cleanliness of hospitals and health facilities.
The Minister also directed Principals and Medical Superintendents to establish an appreciation mechanism, like certificates or cash rewards, for people involved in the cleanliness of hospitals.
Regarding the management of hospitals, the Minister directed the officers to devise a proper plan for the management of attendants in hospitals and GMCs. She asked them to allow no more than two attendants with the patients.
The Minister also directed the Principals and Medical Superintendents to install signage inside the hospital premises so that the attendants and patients are informed regarding tests and other facilities available at the hospital.
The Minister further directed the Health Secretary to carry out a detailed audit regarding all utilities available in the hospitals.
In view of the winter season, the Minister directed the officers to make all kinds of medical supplies and equipments available in all far-flung and snow-prone areas beforehand. She asked the health authorities to undertake meticulous and time-bound planning for the stocking and distribution of essential medicines, medical equipment, and consumables, particularly in far-flung and snow-prone areas. She stressed that no lapse should occur in the supply chain during periods when connectivity is disrupted due to snowfall.
The Minister also asked the Director Health to carry out a detailed survey in snow prone areas regarding expecting mothers in view of the inclement weather forecast and make all arrangements for their smooth facilitation to the nearby hospitals.
The Minister also underscored the importance of strengthening emergency services, ensuring the functionality of critical care units, and maintaining adequate availability of doctors, paramedics, and support staff. She called for regular monitoring of healthcare institutions and prompt redressal of gaps affecting patient services.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare, Sakeena Itoo urged the concerned officials to adopt a proactive and people-centric approach, ensuring that healthcare delivery remains uninterrupted even in the most challenging terrains and weather conditions of the Kashmir division.
She also directed the Principals and Medical Superintendents to submit progress reports on utilisation of Hospital Development Funds as well as on maintenance of lifts and other essential equipments in their respective health facilities.
During the meeting, the Principals and Medical Superintendents briefed the Minister about measures in places regarding sanitation and as well as over functioning of their respective hospitals.
