RAJOURI: The Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, who is also the chairman of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti, convened a meeting today to address various issues concerning the healthcare services in the region.

The meeting commenced with a detailed review of the performance metrics including the inpatient department (IPD) and outpatient department (OPD) services, major and minor surgeries, institutional deliveries, laboratory tests, ultrasounds, X-rays, and ECGs. Analyzing the data from the years 2019-2020 through 2024-2025, the DC emphasized the need for sustained improvements in all healthcare services offered at local medical facilities.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing maternal health, where the Deputy Commissioner underscored the alarming rates of maternal mortality. He directed the officers to implement effective measures aimed at reducing these fatalities, emphasizing the importance of proper counseling and thorough screening for pregnant women. To foster awareness, the DC directed the organization of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to educate women about maternal health.

Additionally, he called for stringent measures against touts-private individuals posing as facilitators within government hospitals-stressing the importance of safeguarding the integrity of healthcare services.

Regarding the non-communicable diseases, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the necessity for early screening and counseling for affected patients. He asked the healthcare providers to strengthen their outreach and support systems to ensure timely intervention and better management of NCDs.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation and progress of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with a focus on expanding access to healthcare services for economically disadvantaged populations. The DC stressed the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation to enhance the impact of this crucial health initiative.

Several infrastructure challenges were also discussed threadbare, including the need for a dedicated generator set at GMC Mehra, demarcation of hospital land, and the handover of the newly constructed 180-bed public hospital. The installation of solar street lights and the establishment of a reliable water pipeline connection from the Jal Shakti Department were also discussed.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (R&B) to prioritize the creation of dedicated parking slots for medical staff and patients, aiming to streamline operations and improve overall accessibility to healthcare facilities. He also emphasized the critical need for cleanliness and sanitation within hospitals, stating that a hygienic environment is essential for patient care and recovery.

The meeting underscored a collaborative approach among various departments, with the Deputy Commissioner calling for interdepartmental coordination to resolve the highlighted issues effectively.

The meeting was attended by the Principal GMC, Amar Jeet Singh; SE PWD(R&B), Devi Dayal; CMO, Dr Manohar Rana: MS DH, EXEN PWD (R&B) Rajouri, Sardar Khan; EXEN Jal Shakti Rajouri, Ashwini Sharma; EXEN PDD Rajouri Mohd Rashid and other concerned officers.