Ensure efficient, effective, equitable healthcare services: LG Sinha

Jammu, Mar 19:  Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday directed the authorities to ensure efficient, effective, and equitable healthcare services.

Chairing the review meeting of the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department with senior officials and principals of Government Medical Colleges and Heads of Departments, the LG called upon officials and all the stakeholders to focus on the goal of ‘health for all’ and ensure healthcare services are efficient, effective, and equitable.

He reviewed the utilisation of funds under various schemes, the progress of new Government Medical Colleges, and other key health infrastructure projects in J&K.

LG Sinha directed the officials to conduct an analysis of the facilities extended to the patients in hospitals and health centres and work out a strategy to further improve the functioning of the healthcare facilities.

He said that the principals should ensure optimal utilisation of medical equipment in their respective hospitals and implement a 3-tier faculty structure without any delay.

The LG directed for increasing the utilisation of AB-PMJAY – SEHAT cards in government-run hospitals, besides streamlining of procurement of medicines and online appointments in the hospitals.
On the progress of Cancer Institute Jammu, the LG was informed that the essential equipment had been procured and the facility would be made fully operational in the next few months.

The LG issued directions for monitoring the functioning of J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited and drug de-addiction centres, and taking dedicated measures to control diseases like Tuberculosis (TB) and AIDS.

He also reviewed the human resources in hospitals, paramedical colleges, and nursing colleges.
LG Sinha directed that the vacant posts in SKIMS should be referred to JKSSB and PSC.

The meeting discussed important matters related to healthcare projects including Cancer Institute SKIMS, Srinagar; Bone and Joint Hospital Jammu; extension of labour room at SMGS Hospital, Jammu; construction of 200-bedded additional block at LD Hospital, Srinagar; operationalisation of integrated Ayush Hospital at Harwan, and achievements registered under National Health Mission and Ayushman Bhav campaign.

Advisor to LG, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Principal Secretary, Finance Department, Santosh D Vaidya; Principal Secretary to LG, Mandeep Kumar Bhandari; and Secretary, Health; Administrative Secretaries, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah were also present on the occasion.