Anantnag, Nov 9: Minister for Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo today evening conducted surprise inspection of Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag to take first-hand stock of healthcare facilities, patient-care arrangements and the overall functioning of the institution.

During the inspection, the Minister visited various sections and departments of the hospital and took detailed feedback from doctors, paramedical staff and other officials regarding the availability of medical facilities, diagnostic services, essential medicines and the delivery of healthcare services.
She also interacted with patients and their attendants to ascertain the quality of treatment being provided to them and listened to their concerns and grievances.
Emphasising that patient welfare must remain the foremost priority of every healthcare institution, Sakeena Itoo said that hospitals are meant to serve people with compassion, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.
“Healthcare is not merely about infrastructure and medical equipment, it is equally about the quality of care, compassion and dignity with which patients are treated”, the Minister said.
She stressed upon the hospital administration to ensure that all available facilities are optimally utilised and that no patient is made to suffer due to avoidable administrative delays or lack of coordination.
The Minister also underscored the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and sanitation across hospital premises, ensuring uninterrupted availability of essential medicines and strengthening emergency response mechanisms.
“Public healthcare institutions carry a huge responsibility towards society. There can be no compromise on patient care, hygiene, punctuality and accountability. Every doctor, paramedic and employee must perform their duties with utmost sincerity and dedication”, she maintained.
The Minister directed the hospital administration to remain responsive to the needs of patients and their attendants and ensure that grievances brought to their notice are addressed promptly.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare delivery system across Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said that special attention is being accorded to upgrading medical infrastructure, improving institutional capacities and enhancing the quality of healthcare services, particularly in public medical institutions serving far-flung and rural areas.
“The objective is to make our public hospitals more accessible, efficient and patient-friendly. We will continue to review their functioning and take necessary measures to improve service delivery. The people must experience tangible improvements in the healthcare facilities available to them”, she added.
The Minister reiterated that accountability, transparency and dedication would remain the guiding principles for improving the public healthcare system and directed the hospital administration to work towards ensuring better healthcare outcomes for the people.