New Rs 1.67 Crore Health Facility Dedicated to Rural Population in Kathua
Kathua, March 11, KNT: Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday dedicated a newly constructed Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Kharote in Kathua district to the public, aiming to improve access to healthcare services for rural communities.
The health facility, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1.67 crore, is expected to benefit residents of Kharote and adjoining panchayats who earlier had to travel long distances for basic medical care.
The inauguration forms part of the government’s broader push to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and ensure medical services reach remote areas of the Union Territory.
Addressing a gathering during the inauguration ceremony, the minister said the government led by Omar Abdullah is prioritising improvements in healthcare and education sectors.
“Our focus is to ensure that quality healthcare reaches every citizen, especially those living in remote and rural areas,” Itoo said.
She added that the government is working to upgrade medical infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
Highlighting recent initiatives, the minister said advanced diagnostic facilities such as MRI, Cath Lab and CT Scan services are being installed in major hospitals.
She also said dialysis units have been established in several hospitals to assist patients suffering from kidney-related ailments who earlier faced difficulties accessing treatment.
Emphasising the need for reliable public healthcare institutions, the minister said government hospitals must be strengthened with adequate doctors, paramedics and essential medical equipment.
Responding to demands raised by locals during the event, Itoo directed the Director Health Services to provide an ambulance for PHC Kharote and said the feasibility of establishing an ultrasound facility at the centre would be examined.
She also asked the district administration to undertake blacktopping of the approach road leading to the health facility to improve accessibility.
Speaking about the education sector, the minister said college enrolment in Kashmir’s winter zone has increased by nearly 12 percent and examination results for Classes 10th, 11th and 12th have shown improvement.
She expressed hope that similar progress would soon be seen in the Jammu region’s summer zone.
The minister also called for collective action to tackle drug abuse, urging teachers and professors to play an active role in spreading awareness among youth.
Earlier, Bharat Bhushan thanked the minister for her intervention in completing the PHC building and said the facility would benefit thousands of residents in the area.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, Director Health Services Jammu, Director Family Welfare, Director Social Welfare Jammu and other senior officers of the district administration were present on the occasion. [KNT]
