BARAMULLA: Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday inaugurated a New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) at Chukar in Tangmarg, constructed at a cost of ₹1.88 crore, aimed at improving access to healthcare services for residents of the area and adjoining villages.
MLA Gulmarg Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah was present during the inauguration.
Addressing the gathering, Itoo said strengthening primary healthcare institutions was essential for improving the public healthcare delivery system, particularly in rural and far-flung areas where people often have to travel long distances to access basic medical facilities.
She said the newly inaugurated health centre would provide residents of Chukar and neighbouring areas with access to essential medical services closer to their homes, reducing the need to travel to distant healthcare institutions for basic treatment.
The minister said the government was focusing on upgrading healthcare infrastructure, improving medical facilities and ensuring the availability of quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas. She added that strengthening the health sector remained among the government’s priorities.
Itoo directed the concerned health authorities and medical staff to ensure the effective functioning of the newly inaugurated facility, with adequate availability of essential medicines and medical services. She stressed the need for dedicated patient care and asked the staff to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and commitment.
MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah also highlighted the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the constituency and called for continued improvements in essential public services.
Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Nighat Yasmeen, Chief Medical Officer Baramulla Dr A.G. Raina, Block Medical Officer Pattan Dr Rumina Majeed, other health officials, healthcare professionals and local residents were present during the inauguration.
Later, the minister visited the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Sariwarpora in Pattan and inspected the facilities and healthcare services available there. She reviewed the functioning of the institution, including arrangements for patient care and the availability of medical facilities.
She directed the concerned officials to maintain proper standards of healthcare delivery and address any deficiencies affecting the delivery of services to the local population.
Later, Itoo, accompanied by MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, MLA Pattan Javaid Riyaz and MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, visited the residence of 26-year-old MBBS student Adnan Altaf Rather at Dangerpora, Sopore, who died in Bangladesh.
The minister expressed condolences to the bereaved family and conveyed her sympathies over the loss. She assured the family that the government would extend necessary support and assistance during this difficult time.
