Sakeena Itoo inspects GMC, Associated Hospital Jammu, takes stock of medical facilities, chairs meet, reviews progress on ongoing projects of GMC

• Inaugurates ICU at Super Speciality Hospital

JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today conducted an extensive inspection of Government Medical College (GMC) and Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) Jammu to assess the medical facilities, evaluate ongoing works and ensure effective functioning of healthcare services for the people of Jammu and surrounding regions.

Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Principal and Dean GMC Jammu, HoDs of different specialities, Medical Superintendents of all Associated Hospitals and other concerned officers also accompanied the Minister during the visit.

During the inspection at GMC and Associated Hospital, the Minister undertook comprehensive review of the infrastructure, equipment, patient care services and cleanliness standards maintained at the facility. She interacted with the hospital staff to gain first-hand insights into the challenges they face. She also inspected BSL Lab, VRDL ICMR lab, Chopra nursing home and other sections of the hospital. She laid emphasis on availability of essential medicines, diagnostic tools and manpower so that the patients are ensured due advantage of these facilities.

On the sidelines of the visit, the Minister also chaired a meeting to review progress on various ongoing projects of GMC and Associated Hospitals. She also assessed the functioning of Bone and Joint Hospital, Jammu, SMGS Hospital Shalamar, MCCH Gandhinagar, State Cancer Institute Jammu, Chest Disease Hospital and Super Speciality Hospital Jammu. During the meeting, the Minister took stock of infrastructure upgrades, status of under-construction buildings, procurement of modern medical equipment as well as requirement of manpower for smooth functioning of these health facilities.

While appreciating the efforts of the hospital administration in providing quality healthcare facilities, Sakeena Itoo emphasised the need for continued improvements in healthcare services to address the existing gaps. She stressed on the importance of timely completion of these projects to enhance the overall efficiency and patient care standards in the region. “Address any kind of bottlenecks in execution of works timely in consultation with other stakeholders and ensure that these projects are completed within the stipulated timelines”, Sakeena directed the officers.

Highlighting the government’s commitment towards improving healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister reiterated that patient-centric approach is priority of the current government. She asked the officers to work in synergy and ensure that every effort is made to provide affordable, accessible and high-quality healthcare facilities to all sections of society.

 Sakeena Itoo further underscored the need of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in healthcare facilities. “Adopt stringent measures to maintain a sanitized environment in the health institutions. Use of modern technology should also be employed to streamline operations and improve service delivery in the hospitals”, she asserted. The Minister, on the occasion, also called upon the hospital administration of GMC Jammu to decongest the emergency section of the hospital so that the patients are treated effectively.

Later, the Minister visited the Super Speciality Hospital and State Cancer Institute Jammu and took stock of medical care facilities available for the patients there. At Super Speciality Hospital, Sakeena Itoo inaugurated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to cater the growing emergency needs of the patients at the hospital. She inspected different sections of the hospital and also visited the Brachytherapy centre of the hospital as well as PET-CT Scan facility of the Hospital.

Interacting with the hospital administration, the Minister advised them to facilitate the public so that they can take due benefits of these advanced test care facilities. She asked them to notify rates of all the diagnostic tests for the ease of patients and attendants. Secretary Health and Medical Education, Principal and Dean GMC Jammu, HoDs of different specialities of Super Speciality Hospital and other officers were also present during inspection by the Minister at the hospital.