New Health Policy in offing to address healthcare needs of J&K rural areas: CM

Srinagar, Nov 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday distributed appointment orders to newly selected Medical Officers at a formal ceremony held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).
Out of the 325 Medical Officers selected, 26 received their appointment orders directly from the Chief Minister in recognition of their new roles in the healthcare system.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Masood, Member of Parliament from Srinagar Agha Ruhullah Mehdi, Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, senior administrative officials, doctors and paramedics, underscoring the importance of this new chapter for the region’s healthcare sector.
During his address, the Chief Minister announced to frame a new Health Policy for Jammu and Kashmir specifically aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of rural areas. He emphasized that this policy would focus on filling existing gaps, ensuring that remote communities have better access to essential health services and resources. By prioritizing rural healthcare, he said, the government aims to bring equitable health services to every corner of the region, allowing residents in these areas to receive timely, quality care without the need to travel long distances.
The Chief Minister also expressed optimism regarding the ongoing AIIMS Kashmir project, hoping for its swift completion. He stressed the need to expedite work on this vital project, envisioning it as a milestone that would elevate the healthcare sector in Kashmir to new heights.
In his address, he extended his best wishes to the newly appointed Medical Officers, encouraging them to approach their duties with dedication and a focus on public service. He emphasized the crucial role doctors play in ensuring the well-being of the community and expressed hope that they would be loyal to their responsibilities and committed to improving the healthcare system. Addressing the challenges within the health sector, the Chief Minister acknowledged that residents frequently raise concerns regarding the shortage of doctors, as well as professors and teachers in medical institutions.
He stressed the need for an accessible and well-staffed healthcare system, particularly for rural and town areas, where minor surgeries and routine issues are often referred to major hospitals in Srinagar, such as SKIMS and LD Hospital, due to a lack of local medical resources.