Secretary Health reviews functioning of Health & Medical Education Department

JAMMU, JANUARY 8: Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, conducted a comprehensive review of department’s operations during a meeting held here at Civil Secretariat today.

The meeting was attended by various senior officers including Director SKIMS Soura, Principals from all Medical and Dental Colleges, Mission Director NHM, CEO Ayushman Bharat, Directors Health Services Kashmir and Jammu, Director AYUSH, Director Family Welfare MCH, and Immunization, Director Finance HME, Managing Director JKMSCL, Joint Director (Planning) HME and other senior officers from Health & Medical Education Department.

Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Director (Coordination) New Medical Colleges J&K, delivered a presentation on various aspects of Health and Medical Education Department, encompassing existing health facilities, status of manpower, upcoming infrastructure, Centrally Sponsored Schemes, operational status of new Government Medical Colleges, as well as imminent operationalization of Bone & Joint Hospitals and State Cancer Institutes in Jammu and Srinagar.

Secretary enjoined upon all officials to work conscientiously in providing best healthcare facilities to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He instructed all Heads of Departments to work with utmost dedication to ensure delivery of quality health services to the general public.

Dr. Abid Rasheed directed the MD JKMSCL to ensure timely procurement of drugs, diagnostic and treatment machinery and equipment to prevent any disruptions in patient care services. He further emphasized facilitating necessary procurements for operationalization of State Cancer Institutes, Bone and Joint Hospitals, and other healthcare institutions.

Highlighting the importance of digital interventions in healthcare delivery, Secretary stressed the need of imperative utilization of technology to expedite and enhance the quality of healthcare services for patients in need. He asked for removal of any impediments hindering the use of technology in the healthcare sector.

During the review of implementation of PMJAY Sehat and functioning of Health & Wellness Centers, Dr. Abid Rasheed directed fot conducting impact assessment studies for these flagship programs. Additionally, instructions were issued to the concerned officers to expedite the finalization of recruitment rules and referral of vacancies to recruitment agencies while reviewing the HR status.

While reviewing the major developmental projects, it was emphasized that a close liaison be maintained by the HoDs with the executing agencies and District Development Commissioners to ensure timely completion of the projects. Further, it was stressed upon that the handing over and taking over process of ongoing projects be ensured between JKPCC and respective R&B (PW) Divisions.

Dr. Abid Rasheed emphasized the necessity for all officers to work closely in coordination. This concerted effort aims not only to improve public services across healthcare institutions for patient care but also to elevate the quality of undergraduate and postgraduate education to match that of premier institutions in the country, he maintained.