Anantnag, Oct 13 (KNO): Member of Parliament (MP) Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi visited Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag on Tuesday to assess the progress of a Sarai (rest house) under construction to provide accommodation and respite for patients from distant areas and their attendants.
During the visit, the MP, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), inspected the facility and took stock of the work completed so far. He observed that the Sarai could offer considerable relief to patients and their families, particularly those travelling long distances for medical consultations, investigations and treatment at the medical college.
However, the MP expressed concern over the delay in completing the project, stating that the facility should have been made available to the public much earlier.
Calling for its early utilisation, Mian Altaf said the portions of the Sarai that had already been completed should be opened for public use without waiting for the entire project to be finished.
He said making the completed sections functional would provide immediate relief to patients and attendants, while the remaining construction and expansion work could continue simultaneously.
The MP said he had previously taken up the matter with the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and held discussions with officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) to explore measures for making the facility operational.
He added that he would once again take up the issue with the concerned authorities to expedite the process and ensure that the infrastructure was put to use at the earliest.
The Sarai is expected to benefit patients and attendants who travel to GMC Anantnag from far-flung areas of South Kashmir and other districts, many of whom face difficulties arranging accommodation during prolonged treatment and hospital visits.
During the interaction, Mian Altaf also highlighted the need to strengthen healthcare services at GMC Anantnag, particularly in view of the shortage of medical and supporting staff and the requirement for additional equipment.
"Improving healthcare infrastructure should go beyond the construction of buildings and must include adequate manpower, modern diagnostic facilities and essential medical equipment to ensure that patients receive timely and effective treatment," he said.
Recalling his efforts to improve facilities at the institution during his tenure as an MP, he referred to the sanctioning of an MRI facility and the establishment of a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (Cath Lab).
Mian Altaf said these initiatives were pursued through collective efforts involving the then principal of the medical college and the then Deputy Commissioner, Abid Rasheed, to expand specialised healthcare services for the people of the region.
The Member Parliament said he would also meet the newly appointed principal of GMC Anantnag to discuss the institution's existing requirements, identify areas needing urgent attention and take up the necessary recommendations with the concerned authorities.
He said strengthening the health sector must remain a priority, particularly at major public healthcare institutions that cater to patients from Anantnag as well as neighbouring districts.
The MP said coordinated efforts by the administration, health authorities and engineering departments were necessary to ensure that available infrastructure was utilised effectively and that patients visiting the institution did not face avoidable hardships—(KNO)