Kargil, Jan 18: Stressing that public health institutions must function with discipline, accountability and empathy, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on Saturday asserted that patient welfare and public convenience should remain the foremost priority of the administration. “The public must not suffer due to laxity or indifference of officials,” the CEC remarked, underlining that government offices are meant to serve the people and not the other way around.
Dr. Akhoon made these observations during his visit to Chiktan Sub-Division, where he carried out an on-ground inspection of healthcare and administrative facilities.
At the Community Health Centre (CHC), Chiktan, the CEC reviewed the overall functioning of the hospital, including the availability of doctors, paramedical staff and essential medical services. He interacted with the concerned health officials and urged them to ensure prompt, patient-friendly services, particularly for residents of far-flung villages who depend heavily on public health institutions.
The CEC emphasised that any shortcomings in staffing or service delivery must be addressed on priority, stating that effective healthcare delivery reflects the seriousness of governance at the grassroots level.
Subsequently, Dr. Akhoon inspected the newly constructed buildings of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Office at Chiktan. Expressing concern over administrative efficiency, he directed the SDM to strictly monitor attendance and work conduct of all employees. He cautioned that strict action would follow against officials found negligent or irregular in the discharge of their duties.
“The credibility of the administration depends on how sincerely officials perform their responsibilities,” the CEC observed, adding that accountability and regular presence in offices are non-negotiable.
During the visit, Dr. Akhoon was accompanied by Executive Councillor Aga Syed Mujataba, Councillor Abdul Wahid, the SDM Chiktan and other concerned officers.
