Srinagar, Nov 10 (HS): Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday inaugurated the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) at Chukar in Tangmarg, built at a cost of ₹1.88 crore. She later inspected the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Sariwarpora in Pattan and visited the family of the Sopore medical student who died in Bangladesh.

At the inauguration, attended by Gulmarg MLA Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, the minister said the new facility would improve access to healthcare for residents of Chukar and adjoining areas, who would no longer have to travel long distances for basic treatment. She stressed the role of primary healthcare institutions in strengthening the public health system, particularly in rural and far-flung areas.

Itoo urged health officials and medical staff to ensure the facility functions effectively, with essential services available and dedicated patient care. Healthcare institutions, she said, must serve the public with commitment, compassion and professionalism.

She said strengthening the health sector remains a priority of the Omar Abdullah-led government, with focused efforts on upgrading infrastructure and improving medical facilities, especially in underserved areas. The government, she added, is following a people-centric approach to address public concerns and improve service delivery.

The Gulmarg MLA also spoke on the occasion and stressed the need to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the constituency. Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Nighat Yasmeen, Chief Medical Officer Baramulla Dr A.G. Raina and Block Medical Officer Pattan Dr Rumina Majeed were among the officers present.

At the PHC Sariwarpora, the minister took stock of the facilities and services and reviewed the functioning of the institution. She directed officials to maintain high standards of care and address any shortcomings.

Later, accompanied by Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar, Pattan MLA Javaid Riyaz and Farooq Ahmad Shah, Itoo visited the residence of Adnan Altaf Rathar at Dangarpora in Sopore. She expressed condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of the government’s support and assistance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat