Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 19: Sakeena Itoo, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, oversaw a meeting at the Civil Secretariat today aimed at evaluating the performance and operations of the Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education Departments in Baramulla district.
Attendees included various MLAs: Sajad Ahmad (Uri), Irfan Hafeez Lone (Wagoora-Kreeri), Irshad Ahmad Kar (Sopore), Javaid Riyaz Bedar (Pattan), Farooq Ahmad Shah (Tangmarg), and Javed Hassan Beigh (Baramulla); District Development Commissioner Minga Sherpa; the Director Coordination of New Medical Colleges; Heads of the concerned Departments along with the Director of SKIMS in Soura, Principal GMC Baramulla, and other senior officials from the relevant departments.
While assessing healthcare services, including the availability of medications and hospital infrastructure, Itoo emphasized the need to bolster health services, ensure the sufficient staffing of medical personnel, and expedite ongoing projects to improve patient care. “We must address the shortcomings in rural healthcare and guarantee timely access to life-saving medicines and healthcare services for the public,” she stated.
She urged Health Department officials to fill vacant paramedic and doctor positions to alleviate staffing shortages in health facilities.
Additionally, Itoo instructed the Health Department officers to conduct audits of all medical and chemist shops to curb any malpractices. She stressed the importance of compliance with regulations, including the installation of CCTV cameras, implementation of computerized billing systems, and the maintenance of records for psychotropic medications.
In her evaluation of the Social Welfare Department’s performance, the Minister reviewed the implementation of various programs designed to assist senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and women. She called for improved transparency and efficiency in the distribution of financial aid, ensuring beneficiaries receive their benefits promptly. Itoo also highlighted the need for raising awareness about these programs so that more individuals can take advantage of them.
Concerning the education sector, she called for enhancements in educational standards, accountability among teaching staff, and the bridging of gaps in digital learning resources.
The Minister asked officials to ensure that all concerns raised by public representatives are addressed in a timely manner and to maintain follow-up on issues brought up by them.
Throughout the meeting, the MLAs expressed various issues related to the Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education Departments pertinent to their constituencies.
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