Advisor to Governor, K Vijay Kumar today visited Government Dental College & Hospital (GDC&H) Srinagar where he inaugurated Central Library which has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 47.4 crore by R&B department.Financial Commissioner Health & Medical Education Atal Dulloo, Principal/Dean GDC&H Prof Riyaz Farooq, Medical Superintendent Govt Dental Hospital, all HoDs and faculty members were present on the occasion.After inaugurating the Central Library, the Advisor visited various sections of the newly constructed facility and was briefed by the concerned about the facilities that are available for the students inside the library block.It was informed that the library block is divided into three floors having group discussion room, photographic unit, artist unit, Xerox unit, tuck shop and newspaper room, dark room, separate reading area for Under Graduates/Post Graduates having total capacity of 140 students, digital media lab, periodical/journal section, faculty reading area etc.It was told that there is capacity of 33,200 books in the library and presently around 11,000 books are available in the library for the use of students. 400 books are being purchased every year by the college authorities for the benefit of students, the librarian informed.The Advisor asked for compiling a data of scientific papers that are prepared by the faculty members and were published in international/national publications.
To take appraisal of the facilities available in the hospital for the patients, the Advisor visited various section/departments including conservative dentistry, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and others. He was briefed by the concerned HoDs and doctors about the working of departments and facilities including treatment being given to the patients admitted in various wards.The Advisor interacted with the patients and their attendants and enquired about the quality of treatment they are being given in the hospital. The HoDs also raised issues with regard to development of infrastructure in their respective departments to improve the facilities.Later, the Advisor chaired a meeting which was attended by Principal/Dean GDC&H Prof Riyaz Farooq, Medical Superintendent and all HoDs. Suggestions were sought from the HoDs with regard to further strengthening of their departments and for overall developing the hospital for benefits of the people.The HoDs informed about the functioning of their respective departments and highlighted the issues/demands which need intervention of the government for their redressal.The issues which were raised mainly including shortage of staff, delay in purchase of machinery/equipments and other.Addressing the participants, the Advisor assured them that every possible support for improving the functioning of the College & Hospital would be provided by the government. He asked for putting in sincere efforts in improving patient care and providing better health care services to the patients.