GANDERBAL: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today led a plantation drive at District Hospital Ganderbal to promote eco-friendly practices and reinforce quality healthcare standards under the Kayakalp and National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) programmes.

The Minister planted saplings within the hospital premises and emphasized on the importance of creating green, clean and patient-friendly environment in the healthcare institutions. “Environmental protection is not only a social responsibility but an essential component of quality healthcare delivery”, the Minister stated.

She highlighted that the plantation drives in healthcare facilities serve a dual purpose of enhancing the aesthetic appeal of hospitals and contributing to environmental conservation. “These kind initiatives help in improving air quality, reducing pollution and fostering a healing atmosphere for patients, attendants, and healthcare workers”, she said.

The Minister reiterated the commitment of the Omar Abdullah led Government to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir in adherence to national quality standards. She noted that under the Kayakalp and NQAS initiatives, special emphasis is being laid on cleanliness, sanitation, waste management, infection control and environmental sustainability across all healthcare institutions of J&K.

The Minister appreciated the efforts of the hospital administration and staff for actively participating in the plantation drive and maintaining high standards of hygiene and patient care. She urged healthcare workers to adopt eco-friendly measures like proper biomedical waste management, energy conservation and maintaining green hospital campuses for efficient and effective patient care.

On the occasion, Medical Superintendent, DH Ganderbal, Dr. Farah Shafi informed the Minister that the plantation drive will be followed by regular environmental awareness activities, cleanliness drives and implementation of green practices to further enhance the District Hospital’s compliance with Kayakalp and NQAS benchmarks.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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