SRINAGAR: Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday reviewed welfare and rehabilitation measures for leprosy patients and directed authorities to ensure housing, healthcare and social support for affected families.
At a meeting held at the Civil Secretariat, the minister reviewed issues related to allotment of government quarters for leprosy-affected families, reconstructive surgeries conducted over the past two years and the need for caretakers for patients without family support.
The meeting was attended by MLA Zadibal Tanvir Ali Sadiq, Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Fazlul Haseeb, Director SKIMS Prof M Ashraf Ganie, Principal Government Medical College Srinagar Dr Iffat Hassan Shah, Director Health Services Kashmir, Chief Medical Officer Srinagar and representatives of leprosy patients and Bharar Leper Hospital.
Itoo directed officials to ensure immediate allotment of residential quarters to eligible beneficiaries and provide a dedicated ambulance for the hospital to facilitate access to medical services.
She also ordered that leprosy patients requiring treatment at government hospitals in Srinagar be provided free medicines, diagnostic investigations and medical care.
The minister said all departments concerned should work in coordination to ensure timely rehabilitation and welfare support for leprosy patients.
Speaking at the meeting, Tanvir Ali Sadiq welcomed the decisions taken for the welfare of residents of Bharar Leper Hospital and said the measures would help improve their healthcare and living conditions.
