Baramulla, April 22:
The Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, and Social Welfare,Sakeena Masood today conducted an extensive tour of Sub-Division Tangmarg and its adjoining areas, inaugurating key health infrastructure, promoting rural tourism, and reaffirming the government’s commitment to holistic development.
The visit commenced at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Tangmarg, where the Minister inaugurated a Dialysis Centre, aimed at providing essential renal care to patients locally and reducing the burden on tertiary institutions. She also laid the foundation stone for a 20-bedded pre-fabricated ward, which will expand inpatient facilities and improve emergency response capabilities. Additionally, the foundation stone for a new Public Health Centre (PHC) block was laid to strengthen healthcare delivery in the region.
During her interaction with officers and the local public, the Minister highlighted healthcare and education as top priorities of the government. She stated that these sectors form the backbone of a strong society and that the administration is making concerted efforts to improve infrastructure and service delivery across Jammu and Kashmir. She also mentioned that sustained investments are being made to upgrade hospitals, enhance educational institutions, and ensure equitable access to quality services in both rural and urban areas.
The Minister was accompanied by MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Managing Director JK Cable Car Corporation, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gulmarg and other senior officers of the district administration and allied departments.
Following the health sector engagements, the Minister visited Baderkoot, Ringawari and Gogaldara, where a local tourism festival had been organized. She appreciated the local initiative in showcasing the region’s beauty and reaffirmed that all locations with tourism potential will be developed into viable destinations. Emphasis was laid on promoting tourism not only as a recreational avenue but also as a source of livelihood for the local population.
The visit concluded with a field-level review of the ongoing developmental works. The Minister instructed concerned departments to expedite execution timelines and maintain synergy for efficient public service delivery.