Srinagar, October 7, 2025 : Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the performance, functioning, and infrastructure development of Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) at Anantnag, Srinagar, Baramulla, and Handwara.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, MD JKMSCL, Principals and Medical Superintendents of all GMCs, Director Finance and Planning, Chief Engineers of R&B and Mechanical Wings, and other senior officers of the department.
Taking a detailed appraisal of academic performance, patient care services, manpower, and infrastructure progress, the Minister said that the Government’s priority is to ensure that every GMC operates efficiently and provides modern healthcare and academic facilities.
“These medical colleges are not only centres of academic excellence but also vital for delivering accessible and affordable healthcare. Our focus is on ensuring that every GMC functions efficiently and provides modern facilities to patients and students alike,” she said.
Reviewing the status of ongoing works, Itoo directed executing agencies to accelerate pending projects and ensure the early operationalization of hospital services. She called for close coordination between College Administrations and the Public Works Department to remove bottlenecks delaying completion.
The Minister stressed strict adherence to quality standards, safety norms, and project timelines, instructing officials to submit regular progress reports.
She also emphasized human resource development, skill upgradation, and the adoption of new medical technologies to enhance patient care. She directed officers to prioritize patient satisfaction, transparency in procurement, and proper biomedical waste management.
Highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening health infrastructure, Itoo said that 200 new MBBS seats have been added in J&K to improve medical education and healthcare services. She said high-end medical facilities are being established at district and sub-district levels to cater to the growing health needs of the population.
Itoo instructed MD JKMSCL to ensure timely procurement of medical equipment as per hospital requisitions and directed the Health Secretary to form a committee at the Secretariat level to routinely check hospital stocks and expiry dates of medicines.
Underscoring the need for digital reforms, the Minister called for developing an online appointment system for surgeries in government hospitals and for raising public awareness about the SEHAT App and its services.
She also directed hospital administrators to ensure the availability of free medicines for patients suffering from cancer, kidney, liver, and other major ailments, reinforcing the government’s commitment to affordable healthcare.
Principals of the GMCs presented detailed reports on institutional performance, academic activities, infrastructure, and healthcare services during the meeting.
