Jammu, Dec 31: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting regarding cleanliness and sanitation measures in Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), District Hospitals, and Sub-district hospitals of Kashmir Division, as well as other facilities at the Civil Secretariat here, with a special focus on preparedness for the upcoming winter season. The meeting was attended by Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed; Managing Director, JKMSCL, Tariq Hussain Ganai; Director of Family Welfare and Immunization; Director of Planning, Health and Medical Education; Principals of all GMCs in Kashmir; Medical Superintendents of all hospitals; Chief Medical Officers of all Kashmir districts; and other concerned officers of the health department, either in person or through video conferencing. During the review, the minister assessed the availability of healthcare services, patient care mechanisms, manpower deployment, infrastructure status in major healthcare institutions, as well as sanitation and cleanliness measures across these health facilities. Itoo emphasised the need for improved sanitation and cleanliness in hospitals. “Everyone has a role in the management and cleanliness of hospitals, not just medical superintendents or Principals,” she said. The minister directed the Medical Superintendents not to allow any kind of food or eatables from outside into the hospitals. She also called for a complete ban on polythene bags within hospital premises. The minister directed Principals and Medical Superintendents to form committees at their levels to carry out daily inspections regarding cleanliness in their respective hospitals. She further instructed them to raise awareness among attendants about the Dos and Don’ts within hospital premises. She called upon the Secretary of Health to establish a Central Control Room where people can report feedback or issues related to hospital cleanliness. The minister suggested that Principals and Medical Superintendents establish an appreciation mechanism, such as certificates or cash rewards, for those involved in maintaining cleanliness in hospitals. Regarding hospital management, she directed officers to devise a proper plan for managing attendants in hospitals and GMCs, limiting it to no more than two attendants per patient. Sakeena directed the installation of signage inside hospital premises to assist patients and attendants regarding tests and other available facilities. She further directed the Health Secretary to conduct a detailed audit of all utilities available in hospitals. In view of the winter season, the health minister instructed officers to ensure the availability of all medical supplies and equipment in remote and snow-prone areas beforehand. She urged meticulous and time-bound planning for stockpiling and distributing essential medicines, medical equipment, and consumables, especially in far-flung areas, emphasising that no lapses should occur in the supply chain during disruptions caused by snowfall. The minister asked the Director of Health to conduct a detailed survey in snow-prone areas regarding expectant mothers, considering the forecasted inclement weather, and to make arrangements for their smooth transfer to nearby hospitals. She underscored the importance of strengthening emergency services, ensuring the functionality of critical care units, and maintaining adequate staffing of doctors, paramedics, and support staff. She called for regular monitoring of healthcare institutions and prompt redressal of gaps affecting patient services. Reiterating the government’s commitment to accessible and quality healthcare, Sakeena Itoo urged officials to adopt a proactive, people-centric approach to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery, even in challenging terrains and weather conditions of Kashmir Division. She directed Principals and Medical Superintendents to submit progress reports on the utilisation of Hospital Development Funds, as well as on the maintenance of lifts and other essential equipment. During the meeting, Principals and Medical Superintendents briefed the minister on measures taken regarding sanitation and the functioning of their respective hospitals.