In view of the huge catchment area and peculiar topography of the district, which is vulnerable for fatal road accidents off and on, the government will soon establish another 100-bedded hospital in Kishtwar town. Being one of the remotest districts of the State, which remains cut-off frequently during the winter season due to snow-fall, and in view of such circumstances, the healthcare services need to be upgraded in the area.This was announced by the Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat while addressing the huge gathering of pubic at Kishtwar today during his maiden visit to the district after formation of new BJP-PDP government.In his address, the Minister said that new Government headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was committed to provide improved facilities to the people, especially in the rural and far-flung areas of the State.
He said the Government had formulated a comprehensive programme for upgradation of essential services across the State during its first stint and all these programmes will be implemented in letter and spirit in a time bound manner. He said the developmental activities will be visible on ground in near future with the active participation and support of the public. He said the present Government will focus on developing the durable infrastructure in all essential sectors including health, PHE, education, road etc which are key to the growth and prosperity of the society.Maintaining that accountability, performance and transparency will be the new benchmarks for the administration; the Minister said that every officer will be made fully accountable to ensure time-bound delivery of services on ground.
The slackness on the part of administration and individual shall be viewed seriously, adding that everyone has to be pro-active in ensuring efficient services to the public, for which the present government has been mandated, the Minister asserted.Giving details about the other development initiatives for the Kishtwar district, Mr. Bali said that GNM School will start its functioning from this year and new classes will start from June-July, for which the necessary arrangements are being made. Similarly, to provide succor to the patients suffering with the life consuming disease like cancer, the State has also sent a proposal to the Government of India for setting up a Cancer Institute in the district, which is likely to the sanctioned soon. He further revealed that the Mother-Child care will be segregated in the old hospital building soon for which the necessary renovation is underway.
He further informed that the Government will implement the policy of providing free medicines in all the State government hospitals from Ist June this year, which was a long pending demand of the people. Earlier, on way, the Minister inspected accidental hospital at Batote and Trauma Centre at Thathri. He interacted with the doctors and para-medical staff and urged them to work with extra zeal and dedication and serve the patients with missionary spirit which is enshrined in the medical ethics. He also stressed for proper upkeep and cleanliness of health institutions which is a basic step towards healthcare.On reaching Kishtwar, the Minister was given rousing reception by the citizens and party workers.Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Director Health Services, Director Family Welfare, Managing Director, J&K Medical Supplies Corporation, CMO, Kishtwar and other senior officers of the police and civil administration were present on the occasion.