Commending the health department of Kashmir for performing extraordinary job in challenging circumstances, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Devinder Kumar Manyal today said that Government will provide help on all fronts to further upgrade the quality infrastructure and manpower with an aim to maximize efficiency of patient care in every hospital.The Minister while addressing a high-level meeting said that it is heartening to note the achievement even in the challenging circumstances. He said that during the last seven months a record 60 corneal transplants have been performed in Ophthalmologic department. In addition to it hip, knee and shoulder transplants are already underway. The Minister said that the renal transplant operations will soon be performed under the supervision of GMC experts. He said that given the circumstances the ophthalmological and orthopedic departments will be further strengthened.
The Minister said that need of the hour is to further improve the facilities. He directed the officials to start audit of every death happening in the hospitals and share the findings with public to promote transparency. He said that such a measure will further strengthen public trust on government health institutions.Flagging the issue of problems faced by Hemophilia patients in the supply of medicines, the Minister directed the Principal GMC to prepare a separate DPR for procurement of life saving medicines for them. “From now on we will focus on preventive rather than curative approach. So delink the Hemophilia budget from overall finances so that entire supply of medicines for these patients will be streamlined and they will lead a normal life,” said Manyal.With an aim to provide help to women and their attendants, the Minister directed the hospitals to ensure that drop back facility for every mother and child is started henceforth. “Collaborate with private and public transporters and ensure that every mother leaving from maternity hospital is safely dropped back at her home,” said Manyal.
The Minister was apprised about the shortage of staff and irregularity in supply of medicines in some cases and delay in upgradation medical equipment. The Minister assured the officials that all bottlenecks will be removed in near future.The Minister also directed officials to start beautification of hospital premises with special focus on sanitation both inside and outside hospitals. The Minister also stressed on the need to further improve the quality of medical education so that our products from medical colleges will constitute some of the best doctors in the country. He said that government is also exploring on promoting medical research in hospitals.The meeting was attended by MoS Health and Medical Education Asiea Naqash, Principal Secretary Health, Commissioner Secretary Health, Principal GMC Srinagar, MD J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited, HOD of various departments and other officials.