Srinagar August 30 : Minister for Health Sakina Itoo on Saturday said tha urgent need for collective action to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare system, highlighting challenges such as rising diabetes cases, staff shortages, and overburdened doctors.
Speaking at a medical conference in Srinagar, Itoo praised the event as a platform for doctors to share their expertise and called on citizens, the media, and civil society to work together in addressing health issues.
“Diabetes was once considered a disease of the elderly, but now nearly 50% of the population, including children and middle-aged individuals, are affected. Lifestyle changes are essential alongside medication,” she said.
The minister also saud that strain on healthcare infrastructure, revealing that many doctors are forced to see twice the number of patients they should, and that staff shortages remain a persistent issue. “We inherited this problem over the past decade, but our government is actively working to fill vacancies. We have approved numerous positions at GMC and are employing doctors on an academic basis to ensure services continue,” she noted.
Itoo pointed to improvements in hospital facilities, including better access to dialysis equipment, and stressed the need to strengthen hospitals further. “Our goal is to reduce the patient load and ensure hospitals have the necessary equipment and specialists,” she added.
The recent natural disasters, including landslides in Ramban and other areas, the minister urged the public to cooperate with the government in environmental preservation. “When we interfere with nature, we pay the price. This is not something the government alone can solve; we need collective responsibility,” she warned.
In education sector, Itoo highlighted key administrative progress, announcing that promotion orders for 458 teaching and non-teaching staff will be issued soon.
She credited the government’s leadership under Mr. Ribtullah for ensuring smooth academic sessions. “We were able to conduct exams on time, declare results, and provide textbooks despite initial challenges. This year, Insha’Allah, everything will be delivered on schedule,” she assured.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing healthcare gaps, improving education, and ensuring timely services for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.(KNS)
