Srinagar: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Monday inaugurated a comprehensive medical camp at Zadibal and later inspected a voluntary blood donation camp at Srinagar Airport, reiterating the government’s commitment towards strengthening healthcare services and public health awareness across Jammu and Kashmir.
The medical camp at Zadibal has been established by Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, as part of the government’s preparations for the forthcoming holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram. The facility will provide general medical consultations, health screening, first-aid assistance, emergency care support, distribution of essential medicines and public health awareness services.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said adequate healthcare arrangements are being put in place at major congregation points and procession routes to ensure smooth medical support for mourners and devotees during Muharram.
“The holy month of Muharram holds immense religious and spiritual significance. Our priority is to ensure that devotees observe the occasion with complete access to quality healthcare facilities and emergency medical support. The Health Department has been directed to remain fully prepared and responsive throughout the period,” Sakeena Itoo said.
She informed that dedicated medical teams, ambulances, emergency response units and essential medicines are being deployed at strategic locations across Srinagar and other districts witnessing Muharram gatherings. She also stressed the importance of close coordination among departments to ensure smooth conduct of religious events.
The Minister interacted with healthcare professionals and local representatives and directed officers to ensure uninterrupted medical services, adequate availability of medicines and round-the-clock readiness of emergency healthcare infrastructure during the holy month.
MLA Zadibal Tanvir Ali Sadiq, Director SKIMS Dr Ashraf Ganie, Director Health Services Kashmir, Chief Medical Officer Srinagar and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Later, Sakeena Itoo visited Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar, where she inspected a voluntary blood donation camp organised by SKIMS in collaboration with the Airport Authority Limited (AAL) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
The Minister appreciated the efforts of SKIMS and participating agencies in promoting voluntary blood donation and creating awareness about its life-saving significance. She lauded the enthusiastic participation of airport employees, CISF personnel and volunteers who donated blood during the camp.
Interacting with donors and organisers, Sakeena Itoo highlighted the crucial role of voluntary blood donation in ensuring the availability of safe blood for patients in need and strengthening healthcare services.
She described regular blood donation as a selfless humanitarian act that saves lives and reflects a strong sense of social responsibility and community service.
The Minister commended SKIMS for its sustained efforts to encourage voluntary blood donation across Jammu and Kashmir and acknowledged the support of CISF personnel, airport authorities, AAL employees and volunteers in making the programme successful.
Reiterating the government’s commitment towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure and promoting public health awareness, she urged citizens, particularly the youth, to actively participate in blood donation drives and contribute towards building a healthier and more compassionate society.
