Baramulla, Nov 10 (JKNS): Emphasizing the importance of accessible and quality healthcare facilities at the grassroots level, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, Sakina Masood Itoo, today inaugurated the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) at Chukar, Tangmarg constructed at an estimated cost of ₹1.88 crore, in the presence of MLA Gulmarg, Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister underscored the importance of primary healthcare institutions in strengthening the public healthcare delivery system, particularly in rural and far-flung areas, by ensuring access to essential medical services closer to people’s homes. She said the newly inaugurated NTPHC would significantly improve healthcare access for residents of Chukar and adjoining areas, reducing the need to travel long distances for basic medical treatment and other essential health services.
The Minister also highlighted the achievements and key initiatives of the Omar Abdullah-led government, reiterating its commitment to public welfare, equitable development and strengthening essential services across Jammu and Kashmir. She said the government is adopting a people-centric approach to address public concerns, upgrade infrastructure and improve service delivery across various sectors, with particular emphasis on healthcare.
She further stated that strengthening the healthcare sector remains a key priority, with focused efforts towards upgrading health infrastructure, improving medical facilities and ensuring the availability of quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas.
The Minister urged the concerned 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 the public with commitment, compassion and professionalism.
MLA Gulmarg, Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the constituency. He appreciated the ongoing efforts to improve public facilities and emphasized the need for continued development of essential services for the people.
Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Nighat Yasmeen, Chief Medical Officer Baramulla, Dr. A.G. Raina, and Block Medical Officer Pattan, Dr. Rumina Majeed, besides other concerned officers, healthcare professionals and local residents, were present on the occasion.
The inauguration of the NTPHC marks a significant addition to the healthcare infrastructure of the area and is expected to improve access to essential medical services for the people of Chukar and neighbouring areas.
The Minister also inspected the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Sariwarpora, Pattan, and took stock of the healthcare facilities and services available there. She reviewed the functioning of the institution and emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate medical facilities, proper patient care and efficient delivery of healthcare services. She directed the concerned officials to maintain high standards of healthcare delivery and address any shortcomings to ensure better services for the local population.
Later, Minister Sakina Masood Itoo, accompanied by the MLA Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar,MLA Pattan Javaid Riyaz and MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah visited the residence of the medical student at Dangerpora, Sopore, who tragically lost his life in Bangladesh.
The Minister expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, conveyed her deepest sympathies and assured them of the government’s support and assistance during this difficult time. (JKNS)
