Kashmir Impulse Desk

Budgam, June 11

Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said on Thursday that strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to quality medical services remained a key priority of the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Speaking during a visit to Beerwah in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, Itoo said the administration was investing in both healthcare infrastructure and human resources to improve service delivery across the Union Territory.

“The health sector is a priority area for the Omar Abdullah-led government,” Itoo told reporters after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for several development projects alongside local legislator Shafi Ahmad Wani.

She said several newly established government medical colleges had been equipped with advanced facilities, including catheterisation laboratories and MRI units, while efforts were underway to expand such services to other institutions.

“Our focus is not merely on constructing buildings but on creating healthcare institutions that are fully functional and capable of delivering quality services,” she said.

Addressing demands for a trauma hospital in the Magam-Beerwah area, Itoo acknowledged the need for such a facility but said the government’s immediate focus was on completing already sanctioned projects.

She said two trauma hospitals had already been approved, one in Uri and another in the Rajouri sector, adding that other areas would be considered in subsequent phases.

“We want hospitals with doctors, paramedical staff, equipment, and proper infrastructure, not just buildings,” she said.

On education, Itoo said the government had initiated steps to address staff shortages by seeking the revival of teaching posts that had remained frozen for several years.

“We have moved a file for the defreezing of teacher posts in J&K. Once approved, these vacancies can be referred to the Services Selection Board, which will improve staffing in schools and generate employment opportunities,” she said.

The minister also said the government was examining demands from local communities seeking the reversal of previous school merger decisions.

“Hundreds of schools were clubbed in the past. There is growing demand from communities for declubbing these institutions so that students can access educational facilities closer to their homes,” she said.

Itoo said the government had also taken administrative measures to streamline staffing in the health and education sectors by ending most attachment arrangements and directing employees to return to their original postings.

During the visit, the minister reviewed ongoing and proposed development projects and interacted with local residents on issues related to healthcare, education and civic infrastructure.

She said the government remained committed to equitable development and improved delivery of essential public services across Jammu and Kashmir.