Minister of State for Health & Medical Education, Ms. Asiea Naqash today convened a high-level meeting to review and discuss the overall health scenario in Kashmir Valley. Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr. M.K. Bhandari, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman, Managing Director J&K Medical Supplies, Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Dr. Mohan Singh, Controller Drugs & Food Control Organization, Ms. Lotika Khajuria, Director Family Welfare, Dr. Baldev Sharma, Project Director, J&K State AIDS Control Society, Dr. Sameer Mattoo, Chief Medical Officers of all the Valley districts, Medical Superintendents and other senior officers of the health department were present in the meeting.While lauding the role of the department, particularly the doctors, paramedics and drivers during the prevailing situation in the Valley, the Minister said that Government acknowledges the commendable work done by each employee of the department, who provided necessary medicare and help to the patients and saved many previous lives. She said that the employees of the Health & Medical Education department have proved their sincerity and dedication and maintained the dignity of the noble profession in most difficult moments. She said Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti herself has acknowledged and appreciated the good work of the department, and it is hoped that the same momentum will be maintained in future too.
“The entire department worked as one unit in most coordinated way in most difficult situation, which needs to be appreciated”, the Minister said and added that the Government expects that they (doctors, para-medics and drivers) will continue to exhibit the same vigour and spirit in providing timely medicare to all those undergoing treatments in various hospitals.The Minister received detailed feedback about the availability of medicines, diagnostic equipment, blood, ambulances and measures put in place to meet the emergencies in all the Valley hospitals. She called upon the heads of the institutions to put in their best efforts to provide all necessary possible medical facilities to all injured and monitor the situation on daily basis. She urged them to chalk out a contingency plan to deal with any situation and remain in close touch with the higher authorities for coupling up with the emergencies. She also called upon the Secretary and Director Health Services to act quickly on the demands of the hospitals as and when projected so that necessary medicare is provided to the needy.Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements made by the concerned institutions, the Minister emphasized the need for maintaining the routine activities like immunization to the children and all those visiting the hospitals for availing various services. She called upon the heads of the institutions to encourage and motivate the ground staff so that they work with more zeal and dedication in the present situation.The Secretary Health & Medical Education, Director Health Services and Chief Medical Officers briefed the Minister about the latest situation and initiatives taken to meet the patient rush. It was informed that all the health institutions in the Valley are equipped with adequate stock of medicines and other diagnostic facilities for meeting the future needs.