Jammu, November 2: Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Monday called for stronger food safety and drug testing measures across Jammu and Kashmir while reviewing healthcare services, staffing and infrastructure.
She asked officials to procure additional mobile testing vans to expand testing facilities. The minister also stressed that hospitals in remote areas must have sufficient medicines, diagnostic facilities and qualified staff so that residents do not have to travel long distances for basic treatment.
Reviewing staffing shortages, Itoo directed the department to assess the deployment of doctors, specialists, nurses and paramedical personnel according to patient numbers and institutional requirement
The minister also sought the immediate posting of recently recruited medical officers and directed the procurement of around 100 ambulances, including four-wheel-drive vehicles for hilly areas.
She asked officials to complete ongoing infrastructure projects on time and ensure that completed facilities had the equipment and personnel needed to begin serving patients. Reliable supplies of essential medicines, stronger emergency services and better referral arrangements were also discussed.
Itoo called for regular inspections of health institutions and prompt action on public complaints. She said improvements in infrastructure and services must translate into timely, dignified treatment for patients across both divisions.
