Sameer Reshi
Srinagar: In the wake of the abrogation of Article 370, J&K has experienced a profound era of peace, progress, and good governance. Among the crucial steps taken by the LG-led administration, the remarkable improvements in the healthcare sector have significantly impacted the lives of people across the region.
Healthcare facilities in the region have witnessed a substantial upgrade, with the government investing in modernizing existing infrastructure and establishing new medical institutions.
A notable achievement has been the increase in MBBS seats in various medical colleges, allowing more students to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors. Speaking about this initiative, Dr Sameer Khan, a medical educator, shared, “The increase in MBBS seats has not only bolstered the medical workforce but has also given a renewed sense of hope to aspiring young doctors.”
To bring advanced medical care closer to the people, new medical colleges have been established in Handwara and Udhampur, bringing quality healthcare services within reach of the residents of these areas.
The opening of these colleges has garnered widespread appreciation from the locals, with Farida Bhat, a resident of Handwara, expressing her gratitude, “We no longer need to travel long distances for medical treatment. The new medical college in Handwara has been a lifesaver for many in our community.”
As part of the administration’s focus on improving postgraduate medical education, there has been a significant increase in DNB seats. This move has not only allowed doctors to further specialize in their respective fields but has also contributed to elevating the overall medical standards in the region.
Dr Riaz Ahmed, a DNB resident, applauded the decision, stating, “The availability of more DNB seats has encouraged doctors to pursue higher education, which ultimately translates into better patient care.”
The LG-led administration has also embraced digital initiatives under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission (ABDM), particularly the “Scan & Share” feature.
This revolutionary initiative has empowered healthcare providers to digitize medical records, facilitating seamless access to patient information and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
A senior physician at a GMC Srinagar, praised the digital health mission, affirming, “With Scan & Share, we can now efficiently share critical medical information, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses, ultimately saving more lives.”
What is more important is that the through the Scan & Share Queue Management System, the hospitals have been able to manage the patient flow, with decreased wait time for OPD registrations.
As per details, so far, over 50 hospitals across J&K have started the Scan & Share Queue Management System with over 4 lakh OPD tokens generated so far. An official informed that they are working to enable the system in other hospitals as well. “The entire patient management as well as the services are going to witness further improvement in days to come,” the official said.
Furthermore, in a bid to provide affordable and quality medicines to the masses, the administration has significantly increased the penetration of generic drugs under the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Aushadhi Yojana.
This commendable step has resulted in substantial cost savings for patients while ensuring access to essential medications. If officials are to be believed, then, in the last fiscal, over Rs 300 crores have been saved through the scheme in J&K, and has substantially reduced the out-of-pocket expenditure for patients, alleviating their financial burden.
Ali Muhammad, a beneficiary of the scheme, shared his experience, “Thanks to Jan-Aushadhi stores, I can now afford my regular medications without worrying about breaking the bank.”
Overall, the LG-led administration’s focus on healthcare has ushered in a new era of progress and development in J&K . With improved healthcare facilities, increased medical seats, digital initiatives, and affordable medicines, the region is witnessing a healthier and more prosperous future for its people.
As the administration continues to prioritize the well-being of its citizens, the positive impact of these initiatives will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy on the region’s healthcare landscape.
