Upgradation of health sector govt’s top priority: Sakeena Masood

Srinagar, Oct 29: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, School and Higher Education, Sakeena Masood, on Tuesday called for the augmentation of medical care facilities across health institutions of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the need for awareness and updated medical practices to cater to the needs of advanced medical treatments among patients.
The minister made these remarks after inaugurating a day-long seminar on ‘Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Update-2024: New Frontiers in Pediatric Allergy’ at SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, here.
Addressing the large gathering of healthcare professionals, researchers, and specialists, Sakeena said this seminar is a great beginning toward upgrading and improving the healthcare system across J&K, and such events should be organized on a regular basis to keep medical practitioners abreast of recent advancements in the medical care system.
“This seminar is a great platform to update doctors, especially pediatricians, about medical practices in treating respiratory and allergic conditions in children,” she said, adding that the seminar has some remarkable speakers who can contribute effectively to this conference with their research and experience.
Highlighting the need for collaborations in the health sector, Masood said, “We need to work in partnerships in order to address the growing challenges of diseases in children. As healthcare providers, you all need to remain at the forefront of emerging research and treatment modalities to improve the quality of care for our young generation.”
The minister said the government led by Omar Abdullah is committed to the welfare of the masses and that the upgradation of the health sector is its top priority. “In the coming days, we will introduce various initiatives which will take this department to greater heights and improve patient care across J&K,” she said. “The health department will start an interaction initiative from the HoD level directly with patients and the public to gather the basic status of healthcare facilities provided by our hospitals.”
The Director of SKIMS, HoDs of different departments of SKIMS Medical College, speakers from well-known institutes in the country and abroad, healthcare professionals, researchers, and practitioners from across the region, as well as a large number of students, were also present on the occasion.
On the occasion, the minister also conferred a Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatrics to noted paediatrician Prof Kaiser Koul.