Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Aug 27: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today said hospitals remain the top priority of the government and assured that authorities are fully prepared to deal with any emergencies, including floods, across Kashmir.
The Minister made the remarks during her inspection of several major hospitals in Srinagar following heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions in parts of the region. She said the government is continuously assessing hospitals to ensure patient safety and, if required, relocate them to safer places.
“Our priority is the safety of patients. We are ready to take every necessary measure in case of floods or emergencies,” Itoo said. She added that the government has acted promptly despite being in office for just nine months.
At Lal Ded (LD) Hospital, the Valley’s leading maternity institution, the Minister reviewed emergency services, maternity and childcare units, diagnostic labs, pharmacy, and overall cleanliness. She interacted with patients and attendants, assuring them that any shortcomings in medical facilities would be addressed immediately.
The Minister directed the hospital administration to ensure round-the-clock presence of doctors and staff, stressing that “health is a priority sector for this Government, and we are committed to providing efficient, compassionate and accountable healthcare.”
Later, Itoo visited Bone and Joint Hospital Barzulla, where she inspected OPD, IPD, emergency wards, and diagnostic labs. She called on the administration to make special arrangements for patient attendants who may face hardships due to adverse weather.
At the 500-bedded Paediatric Hospital Bemina, the Minister assessed emergency wards, NICU, and diagnostic facilities. She urged staff to maintain proper sanitation, hygiene, and patient-friendly services. Patient attendants raised concerns about accommodation, waiting areas, and availability of medicines, which she directed hospital authorities to address on priority.
The Minister also visited SMHS Hospital and GMC Srinagar, holding a meeting with senior officials, including the Principal GMC, medical superintendents, and HoDs of various departments. She asked hospital administrations to augment facilities in view of the weather and directed the Assistant Drug Controller to collect medicine samples from all institutions for quality checks.
Highlighting the government’s broader vision, Itoo said the administration under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is working to improve healthcare delivery across J&K, especially in rural and underserved areas. “We are committed to eliminating complacency and fostering a culture of excellence in healthcare,” she said.
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