ANANTNAG: Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo on Monday evening conducted a surprise inspection of Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag to take stock of healthcare facilities, patient-care arrangements and the overall functioning of the institution.
During the inspection, the Minister visited various departments and sections of the hospital and sought detailed feedback from doctors, paramedical staff and other officials regarding the availability of medical facilities, diagnostic services, essential medicines and the delivery of healthcare services.
She also interacted with patients and their attendants to assess the quality of treatment being provided and listened to their concerns and grievances.
Emphasising that patient welfare must remain the foremost priority of every healthcare institution, Itoo said hospitals were meant to serve people with compassion, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility. She observed that healthcare was not limited to infrastructure and medical equipment but also involved the quality of care and the dignity and compassion with which patients were treated.
The Minister stressed that the hospital administration must ensure optimal utilisation of available facilities and that no patient should suffer because of avoidable administrative delays or lack of coordination.
She also underscored the need to maintain high standards of cleanliness and sanitation across the hospital premises, ensure uninterrupted availability of essential medicines and strengthen emergency response mechanisms.
Itoo said public healthcare institutions carried a significant responsibility towards society and there could be no compromise on patient care, hygiene, punctuality and accountability. She called upon doctors, paramedical staff and other employees to discharge their duties with sincerity and dedication.
The Minister directed the hospital administration to remain responsive to the needs of patients and their attendants and ensure that grievances brought to its notice were addressed promptly.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across Jammu and Kashmir, she said special attention was being given to upgrading medical infrastructure, improving institutional capacities and enhancing the quality of healthcare services, particularly in public medical institutions catering to people in rural and far-flung areas.
She said the objective was to make public hospitals more accessible, efficient and patient-friendly, adding that their functioning would continue to be reviewed and necessary measures taken to improve service delivery.
The Minister stressed that accountability, transparency and dedication must guide the functioning of public healthcare institutions and directed the hospital administration to work towards improving healthcare outcomes for the people.