ANANTNAG: Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday conducted a surprise inspection of Government Medical College (GMC) and Associated Hospital, Anantnag, to review the institution’s preparedness in view of the prevailing weather conditions caused by incessant rainfall.
During the visit, the minister inspected the emergency ward, medical and surgical wards, diagnostic facilities and other critical care units. She reviewed the availability of essential medicines, emergency equipment, oxygen supply, power backup, ambulance services and other healthcare facilities.
Interacting with doctors, patients and attendants, Itoo assessed the functioning of the hospital and directed the administration to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services, particularly emergency and trauma care. She asked the authorities to maintain adequate manpower, ensure sufficient stocks of medicines and strengthen coordination among departments to deal with any weather-related emergencies.
The minister directed hospital authorities to remain on high alert and keep all emergency response systems fully operational. She said no patient should face inconvenience due to the prevailing weather conditions and called for enhanced monitoring to ensure prompt healthcare delivery.
She also instructed officials to maintain sanitation and hygiene across the hospital premises, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, and keep adequate stocks of life-saving drugs, blood, oxygen and other essential consumables.
Itoo directed the hospital administration to maintain close coordination with the district administration and other line departments for a swift response to emergencies.
She said the Health Department was closely monitoring the situation and that healthcare institutions, particularly those in vulnerable areas, had been directed to remain fully prepared to deal with any eventuality arising from the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall, while ensuring uninterrupted patient care.
