The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Sogami, and Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, Prof. Nelofar Khan, for their intervention in establishing a Nursing College at the satellite campus of the University of Kashmir in Wayen, Kupwara.
In a statement, the National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said, “This landmark approval marks a transformative step toward addressing healthcare disparities in the region while empowering local youth, particularly women, through enhanced educational and professional opportunities.
The college is set to strengthen medical infrastructure, create employment avenues, and contribute to national efforts to expand the healthcare workforce.”
He further stated, “The establishment of this Nursing College will not only bridge healthcare gaps in Kupwara but also open new avenues for aspiring students, fostering socio-economic progress in this underserved region.”
Kupwara, historically challenged by limited access to specialized education and healthcare resources, stands to benefit immensely from this initiative. The college will equip students with critical skills, enabling them to contribute effectively to Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare sector while promoting gender inclusivity and youth empowerment, he said.
Khuehami emphasized, “This approval is undoubtedly a remarkable and long-overdue decision. With over 1.25 lakh Kashmiri students pursuing higher education across the country, including many enrolled in engineering and medical courses, this initiative fulfills a long-pending demand—particularly for students and parents in Kupwara, who often seek education in states like Uttarakhand, Punjab, Karnataka, and other regions.”
The Nursing College will provide quality medical education at students’ doorsteps, reducing the need for them to travel outside the region for such courses. This will not only alleviate the financial and emotional burden on families but also strengthen the local healthcare sector by producing skilled professionals within Kashmir.
He added, “Parents should now consider utilizing these opportunities at home rather than sending their children far away for nursing and allied programs.”
Khuehami also thanked Advisor Nasir Sogami for his personal efforts and active facilitation in securing this approval. “His intervention has played a crucial role in fulfilling this long-standing demand, which will significantly benefit students, particularly those aspiring for careers in the medical and healthcare fields within the region,” he said.
