Srinagar, October 7:– In a pioneering move to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by tribal communities, Government Medical College Srinagar and ECHO India have joined forces to conduct a roundtable discussion.
This collaborative initiative brought together key stakeholders, including dignitaries, policymakers, and healthcare experts, at Government Medical College Srinagar to explore innovative solutions for strengthening the healthcare system in underserved tribal populations.
The event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to uplift healthcare infrastructure and outcomes for tribal communities in the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary of the Tribal Affairs Department and Director of the Tribal Research Institute, emphasized the importance of collaboration, aiming to create a comprehensive roadmap for a more resilient and accessible healthcare system.
Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary Health & Medical Education Department, highlighted inclusivity and innovation as key themes, stating that the event served as a platform for meaningful discussions and consultations among experts dedicated to empowering underserved tribal populations with equitable and effective healthcare solutions.
Dr. Masood Tanvir, Principal and Dean of Government Medical College Srinagar, expressed appreciation for ECHO India’s role in organizing this discussion, calling it a significant step towards addressing the healthcare needs of tribal communities. He stressed the importance of working together to improve the well-being of these underserved populations.
Dr. Waheed, Representative of Directorate of AYUSH, J&K, emphasized the need to integrate traditional medicine for a holistic approach to enhance health outcomes among tribal populations.
Professor (Dr.) SM Mohd. Salim Khan, H.O.D- Community Medicine, GMC Srinagar, underscored the transformative potential of this partnership, which aims to create a vision of equity where every individual, regardless of their background, can access high-quality care.
Dr. Sandeep Bhalla, AVP ECHO India, emphasized the importance of collaborative consultations and the blend of technology and expertise to strengthen healthcare access and resilience in tribal communities.
This collaboration between Government Medical College Srinagar and ECHO India reflects a shared commitment to consultative and collaborative efforts, with the goal of enhancing healthcare access and resilience in marginalized communities. Together, they are working towards a future where equitable healthcare is a reality, even in the face of public health emergencies.
