Pulwama: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday undertook an extensive visit of the Pampore constituency in Pulwama district, where she reviewed healthcare facilities and inspected progress on several key public utility projects.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA Pampore, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi; Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani; Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Jehangir Bhakshi; CEO/CMO Kulgam, besides senior officers of the district administration and other sectoral departments.
During her visit, the Minister inaugurated a state-of-the-art Digital X-Ray unit and a Thyroid Analyser at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Parigam.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Itoo said that the government led by Omar Abdullah is committed to strengthening medical infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on rural and underserved areas. She underlined that the introduction of these advanced diagnostic facilities will greatly enhance early detection and timely treatment of diseases, while reducing the need for patients to travel to tertiary care hospitals.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to equipping rural healthcare institutions with modern technology to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
The Minister also took a round of PHC Parigam, where she reviewed the medical facilities available and interacted with medical staff and local residents. She reiterated the government’s focus on equipping peripheral health institutions with modern technology and adequate manpower.
Later, the Minister inspected the under-construction 50-bedded hospital at Kakapora. She reviewed the progress of ongoing works and directed the executing agencies to expedite construction while maintaining quality standards. Stressing the importance of timely completion, she said the hospital will play a crucial role in providing accessible and affordable healthcare services to the people of the area.
Meanwhile, Itoo also visited the site identified for a 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital and Yoga Training Centre at Ratnipora. Highlighting the growing importance of traditional systems of medicine and holistic wellness, she said the proposed facility will promote preventive healthcare, wellness tourism and community well-being through AYUSH practices and yoga.
Reiterating the government’s resolve to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across all regions, with special focus on rural and underserved areas, the Minister assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure that people receive quality healthcare services closer to their homes.
