Srinagar, Nov 16: Director Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather undertook a comprehensive two-day tour of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district to evaluate winter preparedness initiatives.
Accompanied by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Bandipora, BMO Gurez, and other health officers, Dr Rather inspected healthcare arrangements and facilities, particularly in the Gurez region. He acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the healthcare staff under challenging circumstances.
The Director Health while visiting CHC Dawer and other hospitals commended the tireless efforts of the staff. He engaged with local residents and addressed their concerns and assured prompt attention to genuine demands. Meetings with Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members were also held to discuss the current status of healthcare arrangements.
Stressing the importance of routine field visits by Chief Medical Officers, Dr Rather called for assessments at sub-centre, PHC, and CHC levels. He directed the CMO and BMO concerned to make all necessary preparations ahead of winter, given Gurez’s susceptibility to heavy snowfall, which typically results in isolation from the rest of the valley.
The Director, accompanied by Joint Director NCDC and other health officials, received Additional Secretary PMO MS Punya Salila Srivastava IAS at Dawar Gurez during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp yatra. They visited the Health department stall, showcasing various schemes, and distributed Golden Cards and ABHA Cards to beneficiaries.
During the review meeting at District Hospital Bandipora, Dr Mushtaq directed the CMO and MS to implement rotational arrangements until vacancies are filled. He urged them to take proactive steps to enhance healthcare facilities across the district.
This tour is part of the ongoing initiative to improve healthcare services across various centres in the region. Dr Rather had recently visited the far-flung areas of Kupwara, Keran, and Tangdhar to assess healthcare arrangements.
