Sakeena Itoo reviews key sectors in Poonch, stresses timely project delivery

Poonch, Aug 5: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the performance and functioning of the Health, Social Welfare, and Education departments in the Poonch district.

The meeting was attended by MLA Haveli, Ajaz Ahmed Jan; MLA Surankote, Choudhary Mohammad Akram, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal, Director Social Welfare Jammu, Director School Education Jammu, Director Health Services Jammu, Director Colleges, and Medical Superintendent District Hospital Poonch, besides other district and sectoral officers.

While reviewing the functioning of the education sector, the Minister had an in-depth assessment of ongoing work on buildings under construction. She directed the concerned executing agencies to complete the projects in time so that they can be dedicated for public use at the earliest.

The Minister further directed the director of school education to prioritise deployment of subject-specific teachers and rationalisation of staff, particularly in border zones and far-flung hamlets. She also emphasised the periodic teacher training, strengthening School Management Committees (SMCs) and community involvement in ensuring quality education.

“Education is the foundation for every society, and the government is investing both human and infrastructural resources to give children a bright future they deserve,” she stated.

Regarding the health sector, the Minister sought details of all ongoing projects as well as staff positions in healthcare institutions of the district. She directed the Director of Health Services Jammu to cancel the attachment of all doctors and send them to their original place of postings immediately. She further called for deployment of doctors to other remote areas once a week or as needed to provide basic health care services to the public at their doorsteps.

“A healthy society forms the backbone of a progressive region. People living in rural and border areas deserve equitable access to quality healthcare,” the Minister asserted.