Baramulla, November 10: Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, on Tuesday inaugurated a New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) at Chukar in Tangmarg, constructed at a cost of ₹1.88 crore, to strengthen healthcare facilities in rural and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Gulmarg MLA Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah was present during the inauguration.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said strengthening primary healthcare institutions was essential to ensuring accessible and quality medical services, particularly for people living in far-flung areas.
She said the newly inaugurated health centre would benefit residents of Chukar and neighbouring villages by providing essential medical services closer to their homes and reducing the need to travel long distances for basic treatment.
Sakina Itoo highlighted the initiatives of the Omar Abdullah-led Government, reiterating its commitment to public welfare, equitable development and improvement of essential services across Jammu and Kashmir.
She said the Government was focusing on upgrading healthcare infrastructure, improving medical facilities and ensuring quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas.
The Minister directed health authorities and medical staff to ensure the effective functioning of the newly inaugurated facility, adequate availability of essential medical services and dedicated patient care.
She stressed that healthcare institutions must serve people with commitment, compassion and professionalism.
Gulmarg MLA Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah also addressed the gathering and emphasised the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve essential public services in the constituency.
Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Nighat Yasmeen, Chief Medical Officer Baramulla Dr A.G. Raina, Block Medical Officer Pattan Dr Rumina Majeed, healthcare professionals and local residents attended the inauguration.
Inspects PHC Sariwarpora
Later, Sakina Itoo inspected the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Sariwarpora in Pattan and reviewed the medical facilities and services available there.
She assessed the functioning of the institution and stressed the need to ensure adequate medical facilities, proper patient care and efficient healthcare delivery.
The Minister directed the concerned officials to address existing shortcomings and maintain high standards of healthcare services for the local population.
Offers Condolences To Bereaved Family
Later, accompanied by MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar, MLA Pattan Javaid Riyaz and Gulmarg MLA Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, the Minister visited the residence of a medical student from Dangerpora, Sopore, who tragically lost his life in Bangladesh.
She expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and conveyed her sympathies during this difficult time.
Sakina Itoo also assured the family of the Government’s support and assistance.
