Srinagar, Apr 07 (KNO): On the occasion of World Health Day 2026, medical experts and health administrators across Jammu & Kashmir have emphasized the urgent need to shift focus from curative to preventive healthcare, alongside strengthening infrastructure at all levels.
Highlighting the importance of early intervention, Dr Mohammad Salim Khan, Head of the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College Srinagar, while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that establishing dedicated Preventive Medicine Clinics at medical colleges, district hospitals, and Community Health Centres (CHCs) is the need of the hour.
“Prevention is better than cure. It is high time that we institutionalize preventive healthcare through specialized clinics offering lifestyle modification support, counseling, and comprehensive preventive services,” he said.
An official said that the government is also planning to introduce advanced healthcare facilities across the Union Territory. These include robotic surgery units at Government Medical College Srinagar and Government Medical College Jammu, phased establishment of dental units in all Government Medical Colleges, and new cath labs at Government Medical College Baramulla and Government Medical College Doda to strengthen cardiac care services.
Doctors have, however, stressed that while tertiary care expansion is important, equal attention must be given to rural healthcare infrastructure.
They underlined the need for MRI facilities at district hospitals, adequate staffing, and improved diagnostic services to reduce patient overload at major hospitals.
This year, World Health Organization has given the theme “Together for health: Stand with science,” calling for trust in scientific evidence and collaborative efforts to rebuild resilient health systems.
GMC ANANTNAG REPORTS SUBSTANTIAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN HEALTHCARE DELIVERY
Meanwhile, Government Medical College Anantnag has reported substantial achievements in healthcare delivery and infrastructure development in last one year.
According to Principal Dr Rukhsana Najeeb, associated hospitals of GMC Anantnag have treated over 13.5 lakh patients on an outpatient basis and nearly 69,000 indoor patients. The institutions have conducted 12,837 major surgeries and 3,734 minor surgeries, alongside tens of thousands of diagnostic procedures including X-rays, ultrasounds, ECGs, CT scans, and specialized treatments like cataract surgeries.
The total bed capacity across associated hospitals stands at 534 beds, including MMABM Hospital, Maternity & Child Care Hospital, and rural and urban health training centres.
GMC Anantnag has also achieved several milestones over the past two years, including: Operationalization of a Cath Lab, Establishment of a Government Nursing College, launch of Surgical ICU and advanced procedures like ERCP, introduction of Fiber Optic Bronchoscopy in Chest Medicine, free diet services for patients, advanced neonatal care including double volume exchange transfusion, increase in MBBS seats from 100 to 150, Near completion of DIPHL Lab and Critical Care Blocks, Introduction of ECT and IV Ketamine Therapy, Launch of DISE (Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy), ultrasound-guided kidney biopsy services and blood component services, making it among the first new medical colleges to secure such a license.
Dr Najeeb said these developments mark a significant step toward strengthening patient care and expanding specialized services in South Kashmir.
Doctors reiterated that while the expansion of advanced facilities is a welcome move, balanced growth—especially in preventive care and rural infrastructure—is essential to ensure accessible, affordable, and efficient healthcare for all—(KNO)