Statehood our right: Sakeena Itoo

Srinagar, Oct 8: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo Wednesday said that statehood is the right of people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters at GMC Srinagar, Sakeena Itoo said that they are demanding their rights, not begging for it.
Responding to the remarks of LoP Sunil Sharma, Itoo further said that he doesn’t know what sort of statement he is giving. “I think he made the same remarks during the elections.”
On being asked about medical seats, she said they had proposed 190 more seats for Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre accepted it, which is an achievement.
Pertinently, Itoo addressed the White Coat (apron) wearing ceremony of the new MBBS batch at Government Medical College Srinagar and formally welcomed the students.
Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Principal GMC Srinagar, faculty members of the college and a large number of students were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakeena congratulated the fresh batch of students for securing admission to one of the oldest and most reputed medical institutions of J&K. She underlined that pursuing medicine is not merely an academic journey but a lifelong commitment to serve humanity with compassion, integrity, and professionalism.
“The medical profession is built on trust and empathy. As future doctors, your duty extends beyond treating diseases”, she stated.
The Minister urged the students to blend scientific excellence with ethical responsibility, reminding them that medicine is both an art and a science.
Highlighting the government’s continued focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and medical education, the Minister noted that GMC Srinagar has played a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. She assured full government support for ongoing projects aimed at upgrading teaching, research, and hospital facilities. (KNO)