Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Oct 8: Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today reiterated that Statehood is the right of the people of J&K and that the NC-led Government is not “begging” for it.
Speaking to reporters after attending the White Coat ceremony of the new MBBS batch at GMC Srinagar, Itoo said that even the people of Jammu had voted for Statehood after the BJP sought votes in its name.
“They (BJP) also wanted Statehood and sought votes in its name in Jammu. People there voted for Statehood, which is why the BJP was given 28 seats,” she said.
Responding to allegations made by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, Itoo said, “He does not know what he is talking about. If he remembers, the Home Minister had said in Parliament that Statehood would be restored soon.”
She stressed that seeking Statehood does not mean “begging.”
“Statehood is the right of the people and it should be restored. If the BJP claims that normalcy has been achieved and they are satisfied with the situation, then Statehood must be restored,” she said.
Earlier, addressing the gathering that had gathered for the White Coat ceremony, Itoo congratulated the fresh batch of students for securing admission to one of the oldest and most reputed medical institutions of J&K.
She underlined that pursuing medicine is not merely an academic journey but a lifelong commitment to serve humanity with compassion, integrity, and professionalism.
“The medical profession is built on trust and empathy. As future doctors, your duty extends beyond treating diseases”, she stated.
The Minister urged the students to blend scientific excellence with ethical responsibility, reminding them that medicine is both an art and a science.
Highlighting the government’s continued focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and medical education, the Minister noted that GMC Srinagar has played a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
She assured full government support for ongoing projects aimed at upgrading teaching, research, and hospital facilities.
Secretary Health and Medical Education in his address spoke about the importance of the medical profession, ethics and emerging sciences and urged upon students to become best physicians.
Principal GMC Srinagar, Dr. Iffat Hassan in her speech touched various aspects of the college including its origin and journey of becoming one of the major Medical colleges in J&K.
On the occasion, 174 students of MBBS batch 2025 were formally given white coat and the Minister made students wear it.
The Minister also felicitated students who participated in poster and skit competition. On the occasion, Hippocratic Oath was also taken by the students of new MBBS Batch 2025.
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