Sakeena Itoo Emphasizes Mental Well-being of Healthcare Professionals; Inaugurates Annual Sports Meet at GMC Srinagar
SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today inaugurated the two-day Annual Sports Meet 2025 of the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar at the Boys Hostel ground, Bemina.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister highlighted the critical connection between the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals and the quality of healthcare services they deliver.
“Our doctors and medical students are the backbone of our healthcare system. Their physical fitness and emotional stability directly influence the quality of patient care. Events like this rejuvenate their minds, strengthen teamwork, and foster positivity,” she said.
Commending GMC Srinagar for organizing the event, Sakeena Itoo stressed that sports and recreational activities are essential for stress management, particularly in the high-pressure medical field. She noted that sports play a vital role in helping medical students cope with the mental strain of demanding academic schedules.
The Minister also directed the GMC Srinagar administration to upgrade sports facilities at the Boys Hostel playground to encourage greater participation in extracurricular activities.
Principal GMC Srinagar, Dr. Iffat Hassan, thanked the Minister for her continuous support, stating that sports enhance confidence, focus, and balance. She also appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee led by Dr. Salim Iqbal, Chairman, Sports Committee, GMC Srinagar, for successfully planning the event.
Earlier, the Minister interacted with the participating students, faculty members, and staff.
The two-day Annual Sports Meet features a wide range of events including cricket, volleyball, football, badminton, table tennis, carrom, tug-of-war, and musical chairs, along with track and field events like the 100m, 200m, and 400m races, relay races, shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw. Fun games such as matka race, sack race, and spoon-and-egg race added a lively and inclusive spirit to the celebration, promoting camaraderie and holistic well-being among medical students and professionals.
The event was attended by Principal Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah, Administrator Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Heads of Departments, Medical Superintendents, faculty members, and students of GMC Srinagar.
