Minister lays foundation stone for degree college, health centre in South Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the Government Degree College (GDC) and the new building of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Mattan in South Kashmir, aimed at expanding access to higher education and improving healthcare facilities in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Itoo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable development across all sectors, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

“Education and health form the backbone of a progressive society,” she said. “Establishing a degree college and a full-fledged health centre in Mattan reflects our vision to empower the youth with quality learning opportunities while ensuring accessible healthcare for every person.”

The minister informed that the new college building would feature modern classrooms, laboratories, a library, and other advanced facilities designed to promote holistic learning and create new academic opportunities for local students.

Highlighting the government’s achievements in the education and health sectors, Itoo said significant strides had been made over the past year. She noted that a large number of posts in both departments had been referred to recruiting agencies and that vacancies for college principals had been filled to provide a better learning environment.

She added that doctors, lecturers, assistant professors, and paramedical staff had been recruited and posted in deserving areas to deliver quality education and healthcare services to students and residents.

On the occasion, the minister announced that a college bus would be provided to facilitate transportation for students from far-flung areas. She also announced the introduction of the Science stream at the college from the next academic session, along with other subjects as per student demand.

Itoo further said that advanced medical care facilities were being developed across Jammu and Kashmir, with special focus on remote and underserved regions. She added that the new PHC building at Mattan would be equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities to ensure timely and quality medical care at the local level.

Later, the minister visited the Sub-District Hospital (SDH), Seer, where she inaugurated a newly established Physiotherapy Unit.

Speaking on the occasion, Itoo said the new unit would strengthen rehabilitative and therapeutic healthcare services in the area. “The facility is equipped with modern physiotherapy equipment and trained staff to assist patients recovering from orthopedic, neurological, and post-surgical conditions,” she said.

The minister also interacted with medical staff and local residents, assuring them of continued government support in upgrading healthcare services and addressing manpower gaps. She directed health officials to maintain high standards of patient care and cleanliness in all healthcare institutions.