AIIMS Awantipora getting operational with OPD services this month: Health Minister Sakina Itoo

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 07 (STC): Outpatient Department (OPD) services at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, are expected to commence during the ongoing month, said Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo here today.
Taking to reporters on the sidelines of inauguration of developmental projects at Gudder here in South Kashmir’, Itoo, Sakina Itoo said that the OPD facility getting operational at AIIMS would provide much-needed respite to the people. “It would be an important step towards ensuring access to advanced healthcare facilities closer to people’s homes, reducing their dependence on hospitals outside the Union Territory.”
She said Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who visited AIIMS Awantipora earlier this week to review the progress of the institute, had issued necessary directions to the concerned authorities for expediting the process and starting OPD services at the earliest.
The Health Minister further said she had raised the issue of increasing MBBS seats at AIIMS Awantipora from the existing 50 to 100 with the Union Health Minister, adding that the demand stands accepted.
She added that she had also urged the Union Health Minister to ensure the availability of advanced medical machinery, modern diagnostic equipment and adequate infrastructure at the institute so that patients could receive specialised treatment without being compelled to travel to other states.
Highlighting the growing burden of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir, Itoo said she had specifically requested the installation of advanced cancer diagnostic equipment at AIIMS Awantipora to facilitate early detection and timely treatment.
She said the availability of modern diagnostic and treatment facilities at the institute would help strengthen the healthcare system in Jammu and Kashmir and provide significant relief to patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections who often face difficulties travelling outside the Union Territory for specialised medical care.

(Straight Talk Communications)