Committee to submit report soon on relocation of MCCH Anantnag: Health Minister

Anantnag, Nov 25: The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Masood on Monday said that a committee tasked with deciding on the relocation of the Maternity and Child Care Hospital (MCCH) in Anantnag would submit its report soon.

“This is a public issue and should not be politicised,” Sakeena told media persons here. She said a committee comprising Members of the Legislative Assembly from the district and officials has already been established to examine the situation and propose solutions. “The committee is expected to submit its report within a week,” she said.

The hospital currently operates from a cramped and unsafe building in the Sherbagh locality, raising serious concerns about patient safety.

Despite being the only specialised maternal and child care facility in south Kashmir, the hospital has continued to function from a building declared unsafe by the Fire and Emergency Services Department and the Public Works Department (PWD) as far back as 2014.

“I am fully aware of the hardships faced by patients and their families. Addressing this issue is my top priority,” Sakeena said.

The minister acknowledged concerns regarding understaffing and inadequate facilities in Jammu and Kashmir's healthcare sector. “Both the health and education departments need a complete overhaul, and our government is committed to addressing these challenges,” she said.

Earlier, Sakeena chaired a review meeting at Dak Bungalow, urging officials to collaborate closely with public representatives for effective decision-making.

“Without the involvement of public representatives, resolving critical issues will remain challenging,” she said. The meeting was attended by MLA Anantnag Peerzada Muhammad Syed, MLA Bijbehara Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri), MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kaloo), MLA Anantnag East Abdul Majid Bhat (Larmi), MLA Anantnag West Riyaz Ahmad Khan, MLA Kokernag Zafar Ali Khatana, District Development Council (DDC) Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Gorsi, and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag Syed Fakhrudin Hamid.

Following the meeting, the minister visited various healthcare facilities, including GMC Anantnag Hospital in Janglat Mandi and its main campus in Dialgam.

She also inspected several educational institutions in the district.