Govt committed to improve facilities, need time to fulfil promises: Sakina

Shopian, Nov 27: Sakina Masood Itoo, Minister for Education, Health and Medical Education, and Social Welfare, reiterated on Wednesday that the government is committed to improving facilities across various sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to the media in Shopian district, the minister highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir is home to some of the most efficient doctors in the country. However, she acknowledged the need for significant improvements in infrastructure, equipment, and staff availability.
“Our government has been actively addressing deficiencies in staff strength, equipment, and infrastructure,” she stated, adding that, in this context, the government recently appointed around 300 doctors to serve patients in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
She emphasized that the Omar Abdullah-led government is dedicated to enhancing facilities in health, education, power, and roads and buildings (R&B). However, she appealed to the public for patience, assuring them that promises will be fulfilled within the government’s five-year term.
“I have full faith that the people will give us the time needed to fulfill our commitments,” she said.
Addressing concerns at District Hospital Shopian, the minister acknowledged the issue of space constraints and assured that measures will be taken to improve patient care.
“The hospital faces a significant rush of patients, many of whom travel from remote areas,” she said, adding that even patients from Poonch and Rajouri visit the hospital following the opening of the Mughal Road.
She proposed exploring the feasibility of integrating the PMT College accommodation with the district hospital to increase its capacity for patient intake.
The minister further stated that an adequate number of doctors have been posted at the District Hospital Shopian, though some vacancies for paramedical staff remain.
“We will review these vacancies and take steps to streamline operations at the hospital to ensure better patient care,” she assured.