Jammu: Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday inaugurated a 160-slice CT scan machine at SMGS Hospital, Shalamar, and a new academic complex at Chest Diseases Hospital, Bakshi Nagar, here.
The CT scan machine has been installed at a cost of Rs 8.30 crore. Itoo said the facility would help patients who cannot afford diagnostic services at private hospitals and reduce referrals to other hospitals.
The Minister said the facility had been installed in response to a long-pending demand from residents of Jammu and adjoining areas, following directions from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
She also said an MRI machine had already been sanctioned for SMGS Hospital and was expected to be installed within the next two to three months.
Itoo directed health authorities to maintain cleanliness and hygiene across hospital premises and stressed the need for doctors and paramedical staff to remain accountable for quality patient care.
At Chest Diseases Hospital, the Minister inaugurated a new academic complex constructed at a cost of Rs 8.93 crore.
During the visit, Principal Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu Dr Ashutosh Gupta briefed the Minister on infrastructure development at GMC Jammu and its associated hospitals, as well as patient-care services.
Itoo also urged media organisations to verify complaints relating to patient care before reporting them, saying unverified information could create a wrong narrative and affect the reputation of doctors and hospital staff.
She referred to GMC Jammu’s 105th rank nationally and attributed the achievement to the work of its doctors.
MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta and MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi accompanied the Minister during the visit and raised issues relating to healthcare facilities.
Director Health Services Jammu Dr Poonam Sethi, Medical Superintendent SMGS Hospital Prof Dr Dara Singh, Medical Superintendent Chest Diseases Hospital Dr Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Deputy Director Health Services (Headquarters) Jammu Harbaksh Singh, Chief Medical Officer Jammu Dr Narinder Bhutyal, heads of departments, faculty members and officers and staff of GMC Jammu and its associated hospitals were present.
