Sakeena Itoo stresses doctors to embrace sports for mental, physical health

Srinagar, Oct 9: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo inaugurated the two-day Annual Sports Meet-2025 of Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar at Boys Hostel Bemina on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the minister, as per an official statement, underscored the crucial link between the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals and its impact on the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

“Our doctors and medical students are the backbone of healthcare system. Their physical fitness and emotional balance directly influence the care they provide. Initiatives like these help rejuvenate their spirits and foster teamwork and positivity,” Minister Sakeena stated.

Commending GMC Srinagar for organising the event, the minister highlighted that sports and recreational activities are essential components of stress management, especially for those in demanding medical professions. She underlined that sports plays a vital role in decreasing the mental stress that medical students face while adhering to their rigorous academic schedule.

The minister also asked the GMC Srinagar administration to upgrade facilities at this playground of Boys Hostel so that maximum students are attracted towards extracurricular activities.

Principal of GMC Srinagar, Dr Iffat Hassan, expressed gratitude to the minister for constant support. She said that sports improve confidence, balance and focus and appreciated the efforts of the organising committee.

Earlier, the minister interacted with participants, faculty and medical students.

Chairman of the Sports Committee, GMC Srinagar, Dr Salim Iqbal, played a key role in planning and organising the event.

Pertinently, during the two-day Annual Sports Meet, sporting events like cricket, volleyball, football, badminton, table tennis, carrom, tug of war, and musical chairs are being held. Besides, track and field events like 100m, 200m, 400m, relay, shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw will also form part of the sports meet. Fun games like the matka race, sack race, and spoon and egg race also added energy to the programme to celebrate camaraderie and holistic well-being among medical professionals and students.

Principal of GMC Srinagar, Dr Iffat Hassan Shah; Administrator of GMC Srinagar, Mohammad Ashraf Hakak; Heads of Departments; Medical Superintendents; faculty members; students and staff were also present on the occasion.