AJK Govt moves to improve healthcare infrastructure, services: Health Minister

MIRPUR, Oct 5 (APP): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Minister for Health Services Dr Mustafa Bashir on Monday reviewed the performance of health institutions in Mirpur and directed officials to ensure timely provision of quality healthcare services and strengthen basic health facilities for the public.

He visited the District Health Office Mirpur along with Minister for Forests Col (retd) Waqar Ahmed Noor, AJK Legislative Assembly members Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed and Chaudhry Muhammad Razzaq, and former minister and Kashmir Council member Chaudhry Saeed. Health officials briefed the delegation on available facilities, challenges and future priorities of the Health Department.

Later, Dr Mustafa Bashir chaired a meeting of heads of medical institutions in the district at the District Health Office. The meeting reviewed healthcare facilities, institutional performance, provision of quality treatment to patients and challenges in ensuring timely access to basic health services, besides discussing measures to address the issues. The minister directed officials to utilize available resources to ensure essential facilities, medicines and the presence of medical staff at public health institutions.

Addressing the meeting, the minister said health and education were among the government’s top priorities. Under the leadership of AJK Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani, the government was taking measures to address public grievances and improve healthcare delivery, he added. He warned that negligence in providing healthcare services would not be tolerated and directed officials to identify institutional problems and take practical measures for their resolution.

Dr Mustafa Bashir also planted a sapling at the District Health Office premises. District Health Officer Mirpur Dr Fida Hussain Raja, Medical Superintendent Divisional Headquarters Teaching Hospital Dr Raja Ejaz Ahmed and other senior health officials were present.