Govt committed to enhance accessible, quality healthcare: Sakeena

Kulgam, Feb 28: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo Saturday inaugurated the High Dependency Unit (HDU) at District Hospital Kulgam reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing accessible and quality healthcare services at the grassroots level.
Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam, Shahzad Alam; CMO Kulgam, senior officers of district administration and other concerned officers were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister highlighted the Government’s focused approach to upgrade district-level healthcare institutions with modern facilities and trained manpower. “Operationalisation of this HDU marks a major milestone in strengthening the secondary healthcare framework in Kulgam district and adjoining areas”, she stated.
The Minister underlined that the HDU will act as an essential bridge between ICU and routine inpatient services, ensuring timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. She added that this facility will provide enhanced monitoring and treatment for patients who require higher care.
“HDU facility will significantly strengthen emergency and critical care services at the hospital by reducing referrals to tertiary care institutions and ensuring stabilization of critically ill patients within the district Kulgam”, the Health Minister said.
Minister Sakeena further said that the establishment and functioning of HDU at District Hospital Kulgam reflects the commitment of Omar Abdullah led Government to enhance secondary healthcare services, improve patient safety and provide accessible, quality care to people near their vicinities.
“Upgrading healthcare infrastructure in rural and semi-urban regions remains Government’s top priority, with sustained investments being made to bridge gaps in service delivery”, the Minister said.
The Minister, on the occasion, also interacted with the doctors and paramedical staff, and sought detailed and urgent requirements at the hospital. She also interacted with the patients and took feedback from them about the healthcare services being provided at the DH Kulgam.
Pertinently, the roll-out of HDU at DH Kulgam marks a landmark development in improving the critical care services across the district. The HDU is equipped with advanced monitoring systems including multipara monitors, oxygen supply, suction apparatus, infusion pumps, defibrillator, and emergency resuscitation equipment. The unit will cater to patients with serious medical and surgical conditions like severe infections, respiratory distress, cardiac ailments, post-operative cases requiring close observation, obstetric complications and other high-risk conditions.
The HDU is staffed by trained medical officers, nursing personnel, and paramedical staff who will provide round-the-clock monitoring and prompt management of patients requiring advanced care.