Jammu, Mar 19: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday called upon officials and all the stakeholders to focus on the goal of ‘Health for All’ in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Lt. Governor said this while chairing a review meeting of the Health and Medical Education Department with senior officials, principals of government medical colleges, and heads of departments.

He 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 utilization of funds under various schemes, the progress of new government medical colleges, and other key health infrastructure projects in the Union Territory.

The Lt. Governor directed the officials to conduct an analysis of the facilities extended to patients in hospitals and health centers and work out a strategy to further improve the functioning of the healthcare facilities.

He said the principals must ensure the optimal utilization of medical equipment in their respective hospitals, and a 3-tier faculty structure should be implemented without any delay.

The Lt Governor directed increasing the utilization of AB-PMJAY-SEHAT cards in government-run hospitals, besides streamlining the procurement of medicines and online appointments in the hospitals.

On the progress of Cancer Institute Jammu, the Chair was informed that the essential equipment has been procured and the facility will be fully operational in the next few months.

Directions were issued for monitoring the functioning of J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited and drug de-addiction centers and taking dedicated measures to control diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and AIDS.

The Lt. Governor also reviewed the human resources in hospitals and paramedical and nursing colleges. He 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 & Joint Hospital Jammu; extension of labor room at SMGS Hospital, Jammu; construction of a 200-bed additional block at LD Hospital, Srinagar; operationalization of Integrated Ayush Hospital at Harwan; and achievements registered under the National Health Mission and Ayushman Bhav campaigns.

UNI