Sakeena Itoo Lays Foundation Stone for GDC Mattan, New PHC Building; Inaugurates Physiotherapy Unit at SDH Seer
Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Equitable Development and Accessible Public Services
ANANTNAG: Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today laid the foundation stone of Government Degree College (GDC) Mattan and the new building for the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Mattan, reaffirming the government’s resolve to strengthen higher education and healthcare infrastructure under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The event witnessed the presence of MLA Shangus-Anantnag East Reyaz Ahmad Khan, MLA Anantnag West Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi, Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Director Colleges, Director School Education Kashmir, Director Coordination New GMCs, Director Health Services Kashmir, senior officers, students, and a large gathering of locals.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakeena Itoo said the government is committed to ensuring equitable development across all sectors, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. “Education and health are the twin pillars of a progressive society. The establishment of a degree college and a fully equipped health centre at Mattan reflects our vision to empower youth through quality education and to provide accessible healthcare to every citizen,” she said.
Emphasizing the transformative power of education, she added, “Education is the most powerful tool that can bring positive change in society.”
The Minister informed that the upcoming GDC Mattan building will feature modern classrooms, laboratories, a library, and other advanced facilities to promote holistic learning and open new academic opportunities for the youth.
Highlighting the government’s achievements, Sakeena Itoo said significant progress has been made in the health and education sectors, including large-scale recruitment drives. “Vacancies of college principals have been largely filled to ensure an improved learning environment. Similarly, doctors, lecturers, assistant professors, and paramedical staff have been recruited and posted in deserving areas to enhance education and healthcare delivery,” she stated.
To support students, she announced that a bus facility would be provided for GDC Mattan and that a science stream will be introduced from the next academic session, with additional courses to follow based on local demand.
Underscoring the Omar Abdullah-led government’s focus on strengthening health infrastructure, the Minister said that new and upgraded healthcare facilities are being developed across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in underserved regions. She added that the new PHC Mattan building will feature advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities to ensure quality medical care at the local level.
MLA Reyaz Ahmad Khan and MLA Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi also addressed the gathering, lauding the government’s developmental initiatives.
Later, Minister Sakeena Itoo visited Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Seer, where she inaugurated a new Physiotherapy Unit. Speaking on the occasion, she said the facility would significantly enhance rehabilitative and therapeutic healthcare services in the region. Equipped with modern physiotherapy equipment and trained professionals, the unit will cater to patients recovering from orthopedic, neurological, and post-surgical conditions.
During her visit, the Minister interacted with medical staff and local residents, assuring continued support for improving healthcare services and filling manpower gaps. She directed officials to maintain high standards of patient care, hygiene, and service delivery across all health institutions.
Locals expressed their gratitude to the Minister for the government’s proactive measures in improving educational and health infrastructure in the area. Sakeena Itoo assured them of timely redressal of public grievances and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive and balanced development.
