Associated News Bureau

Sakeena Itoo Conducts Surprise Inspection of GMC Anantnag, Directs Focus on Quality Healthcare and Patient Welfare

ANANTNAG, NOVEMBER 09: Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, on Monday evening conducted a surprise inspection of Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag to assess the availability of healthcare facilities, patient-care arrangements and the overall functioning of the institution. During the visit, the Minister inspected various departments and sections of the hospital and reviewed the availability of medical facilities, diagnostic services, essential medicines and other healthcare services. She also interacted with doctors, paramedical staff and hospital officials to obtain first-hand feedback on the functioning of the institution. The Minister also met patients and their attendants, listened to their grievances and sought feedback regarding the quality of treatment and services being provided at the hospital. Emphasising that patient welfare must remain the foremost priority, Sakeena Itoo said public healthcare institutions must deliver services with compassion, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility. She observed that quality healthcare goes beyond infrastructure and medical equipment, stressing that patients must also be treated with dignity, care and compassion. The Minister directed the hospital administration to ensure optimal utilisation of available facilities and cautioned against any avoidable inconvenience to patients due to administrative delays or lack of coordination. She also stressed the need for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and sanitation, ensuring uninterrupted availability of essential medicines and strengthening emergency response mechanisms. “There can be no compromise on patient care, hygiene, punctuality and accountability. Every doctor, paramedic and employee must discharge their duties with utmost sincerity and dedication,” she said. The Minister further instructed the hospital administration to remain responsive to the needs of patients and attendants and ensure timely redressal of grievances. Reiterating the Government's commitment to strengthening the public healthcare delivery system across Jammu and Kashmir, Sakeena Itoo said focused efforts were being made to upgrade medical infrastructure, enhance institutional capacities and improve the quality of healthcare services, particularly in rural and far-flung areas. She said the objective was to make public hospitals more accessible, efficient and patient-friendly, adding that regular reviews of healthcare institutions would continue to ensure tangible improvements in service delivery. The Minister reiterated that transparency, accountability and dedication would remain central to the Government's efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and ensure better medical facilities for the people. ANB