KUPWARA, DECEMBER 10: In a bid to ensure the efficient functioning of health institutions across the district, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, convened a meeting with health officers on Monday to review the performance of the health sector.
Addressing the meeting, the DC stressed the importance of the health sector, which directly impacts the well-being of the population, and urged officers to work with renewed dedication and sincerity to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. She emphasized that the people should not face any inconvenience in accessing healthcare services at district health institutions.
The DC directed the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Block Medical Officers (BMOs) to conduct regular inspections of healthcare facilities within their respective jurisdictions to monitor their performance and address any shortcomings. She also instructed them to develop a detailed plan for the availability of doctors across various specialties, ensuring that people receive timely and hassle-free treatment. Additionally, the DC emphasized the need for ensuring the presence of paramedical and other essential staff at the institutions.
On the matter of punctuality, the DC issued clear instructions to ensure strict adherence to duty hours by doctors and healthcare staff. She warned that any negligence in this regard would result in strict action as per the rules.
During the meeting, CMO Kupwara, Dr. Ramzan, presented a detailed overview of the district’s health profile through a PowerPoint presentation. He informed the meeting that the district is currently home to 307 health institutions, including 234 Sub-Centers, 33 Primary Health Centres, 31 NTPHCs, 7 Community Health Centres, one District Hospital, and one District Tuberculosis Centre, all of which are working to meet the healthcare needs of the population.
Dr. Ramzan highlighted the significant patient load handled by these institutions, with a total of 1,195,701 outpatient visits (OPD) and 80,380 inpatient admissions (IPD) recorded between April and November 2024. The district also saw 5,882 institutional deliveries, 33,401 ultrasound (USG) procedures, 29,357 ECGs, 2,980 dialysis sessions, and 4,478 CT scans during the same period. Furthermore, 9,847 new pregnancies were registered for antenatal care (ANC) across the district’s 10 medical blocks.
The meeting also included a review of various centrally sponsored schemes, such as Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, JK Sehat, ABHA ID, JSY, NCD Screening, and the Clinical Establishment Act. The DC stressed the importance of achieving full coverage of these schemes to ensure that the targeted population benefits in a timely manner.
In addition, the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 was reviewed. It was reported that 153 challans had been issued under the relevant provisions of the law, resulting in a fine of Rs. 20,650. Awareness and counseling sessions were also conducted at both the district and block levels to reduce tobacco use among the population.