Health Minister Reviews Functioning and Infrastructure of GMCs Across J&K
SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a comprehensive review of the performance, functioning, and infrastructure development of Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, and Handwara.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, MD JKMSCL, Principals and Medical Superintendents of all GMCs, Director Finance/Planning, Chief Engineers of R&B and Mechanical departments, and other senior officials of the Health and Medical Education Department.
During the review, the Minister examined academic performance, patient care services, manpower status, and progress on ongoing infrastructure projects across the four institutions. She emphasized that GMCs form the backbone of the region’s tertiary healthcare network and must ensure high-quality education and patient services with transparency and accountability.
“These medical colleges are not only centers of academic excellence but also vital for delivering accessible and affordable healthcare. Our focus is on ensuring that every GMC functions efficiently and provides modern facilities to both patients and students,” Sakeena Itoo said.
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure works, the Minister directed executing agencies to expedite all pending projects to achieve full operationalization of hospital services. She called for improved coordination between College Administrations and the Public Works Department (R&B) to address project delays. She also stressed adherence to quality standards, safety norms, and timelines, with regular progress reports to be submitted to the department.
The Minister underscored the importance of human resource development, skill enhancement of medical and paramedical staff, and adoption of new technologies to improve healthcare delivery. She instructed officials to prioritize patient satisfaction, transparent procurement, proper biomedical waste management, sanitation, and hygiene in hospitals and colleges.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening medical education and healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, she noted that around 200 new MBBS seats have been added, along with advanced medical facilities at district and sub-district hospitals to meet growing healthcare demands.
Minister Sakeena directed MD JKMSCL to procure medical equipment as per hospital requisitions, ensuring transparency and accountability. She also instructed the Secretary Health to form a committee at the Secretariat to routinely check for expired medicines in hospitals and other facilities.
She further called for reforms including an online appointment system for surgeries in government hospitals and increased public awareness about services available through the SEHAT App. Hospital administrators were also asked to ensure free availability of medicines for critical conditions such as cancer, kidney, and liver diseases.
During the meeting, GMC Principals presented detailed reports on the performance, functioning, infrastructure development, academic activities, and other key aspects of their institutions.
