Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Aug 30: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today said that the Government is working tirelessly to address gaps in the health system by strengthening district hospitals to ease the patient load on tertiary care facilities.
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Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the 1st Annual MMFDIACON25 International Endocrinology Conference at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, Itoo said that the issues confronting the health sector have persisted for the past decade, but the elected Government is committed to minimizing problems faced by the people.
“There is a shortage of staff, but it cannot be addressed in one go because doctors often leave for higher studies, creating vacancies. These gaps are not new; they have existed for the last 10 years,” she said.
Itoo added that since the formation of the Government in J&K, significant steps have been taken, including appointments under academic arrangements. “If that too is not done, it only adds to the existing issues,” she said.
She acknowledged the shortage of paramedical staff as well but assured that the Government is working to ensure that people do not suffer. “Due to the shortage, the burden on the existing staff increases. We are equipping district hospitals with doctors and machinery so that referrals to tertiary care are reduced,” she said.
Speaking about the conference, Itoo said it serves as a platform for doctors to share experiences and for people to benefit from their expertise.
“Earlier, we used to think that diabetes affected people in old age, but today, nearly 50 percent of the population, including children and middle-aged individuals, are diabetic. We need lifestyle changes-doctors can prescribe medicines, but people themselves must take care of their health,” she stressed.
Itoo emphasized the need to strengthen both preventive and curative healthcare systems for the elderly, as diabetes has emerged as a silent yet pressing health challenge among them.
The conference was organised by GMC Srinagar in collaboration with the Department of Endocrinology of Super Speciality Hospital, the MMF Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Ageing (CISA), and the Moul Mouj Foundation.
In her keynote address, the Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, underlining the urgent need to strengthen healthcare systems for the elderly, particularly those suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes.
Head of Endocrinology, Dr. M. Hayat, highlighted the multiple and complex complications of diabetes in elderly patients, stressing the need for interdisciplinary discussion and intervention.
Senior Consultant in Geriatrics and Academic Convenor at CISA, Dr. Zubair Saleem, reaffirmed that CISA and MMF are committed not only to treating ageing parents in Kashmir but also to advancing academic research and policy dialogue in geriatrics.
Dr. John Ebnezar, Padma Shri and Dr. B.C. Roy awardee, delivered a virtual lecture on frailty fractures in elderly patients with diabetes.
Dr. M. A. Mazaid from Egypt spoke virtually on osteoporotic vertebral risks in elderly diabetics, while Dr. Sergio Rowinski from Brazil delivered a virtual talk on adhesive capsulitis and its management in diabetic patients.
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