Pulwama, May 5: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Monday inaugurated a Digital X-Ray unit and Thyroid Analyzer at Primary Health Centre (PHC) Parigam in Pulwama district, aiming to strengthen diagnostic healthcare facilities in rural areas.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA Pampore Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani, Director Health Services Kashmir Dr. Jehangir Bakshi, and senior district and sectoral officers.
Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo said that the government led by Omar Abdullah is committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on rural and underserved areas. She said the newly installed diagnostic equipment will improve early detection of diseases and reduce the need for patients to travel to tertiary care hospitals.
The Minister emphasized the government’s focus on equipping peripheral health institutions with modern technology and adequate manpower to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare services for all.
She also inspected the PHC Parigam, reviewed available medical facilities, and interacted with healthcare staff and local residents to assess on-ground requirements.
Later, Sakeena Itoo visited Kakapora where she inspected the under-construction 50-bedded hospital and reviewed the pace of ongoing work. She directed executing agencies to expedite construction while maintaining quality standards, stating that the facility will significantly improve healthcare access in the area.
The Minister also reviewed the site for the proposed 50-bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital and Yoga Training Centre at Ratnipora. She highlighted the importance of traditional systems of medicine and wellness practices, stating that the project will promote preventive healthcare, wellness tourism, and holistic well-being.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Sakeena Itoo assured that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure improved healthcare delivery and infrastructure development across rural and underserved regions of the Union Territory.
