Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Transport, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today emphasized the need for affordable healthcare, strengthened medical research so that people get medical facilities at par with global standards.
The Minister was speaking during the National Cancer Survivors Day at the American Oncology Institute, Batra Hospital, where he interacted with the cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, researchers and medical experts. Commending the courage and resilience of cancer survivors, Satish Sharma said their journey serve as an inspiration for the society.
He underlined the importance of strengthening the healthcare systems capable of providing timely and effective treatment. The Minister stressed the need to make quality healthcare and advanced medical facilities more affordable and accessible to the people from all sections of society.
He observed that rising healthcare costs often place significant financial burdens on families and called for sustained efforts to ensure that modern treatment facilities reach every citizen without economic hardship. Satish Sharma also advocated for a more holistic approach to medical research, particularly in the field of cancer care, emphasizing the integration of scientific innovation, preventive healthcare, early diagnosis, nutrition, mental well-being and community awareness.
The Minister said that advancements in science and technology must be effectively leveraged to improve patient outcomes and strengthen healthcare delivery systems across the region. Later, Satish Sharma attended a public meeting at Chowki Choura, where he highlighted the immense developmental potential of the region.
He underscored the government's commitment to ensure balanced growth across rural and border areas. He emphasized that strengthening infrastructure, improving connectivity, expanding educational opportunities and creating employment avenues remain key priorities for accelerating socio-economic progress in the area.
The Minister said that enhanced road and railway connectivity can act as a catalyst for economic transformation by facilitating trade, boosting tourism, improving access to markets and attracting investment. He reiterated the importance of developing railway infrastructure in the Akhnoor–Kaleeth–Dori Dager belt, stating that such projects would open new avenues for growth and significantly improve the quality of life for local residents.
Satish Sharma further stressed the need to harness the region's human resource potential through skill development, entrepreneurship promotion, digital empowerment and sports-related initiatives. He said that sustained investments in infrastructure, technology, education, healthcare and youth development would help create a vibrant and self-reliant economy while ensuring that the benefits of development reach every household.
The Minister also called for continued collaboration between the government, local communities and other stakeholders to realize the vision of a prosperous, connected and progressive Jammu and Kashmir capable of meeting the aspirations of future generations.