Banihal, August 12: National Conference leader and Banihal–Gool MLA Sajjad Shaheen today inaugurated a free medical camp for persons with disabilities at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal, organised by the Health Department to provide accessible healthcare services, medical consultation and necessary assistance to specially-abled persons.
Speaking on the occasion, Shaheen said the Government is committed to strengthening healthcare institutions in rural and remote areas so that people do not have to travel long distances for essential medical treatment. He emphasised that people living in difficult and far-flung areas deserve the same quality of healthcare facilities as those available in urban centres.
He said SDH Banihal will soon get a CT Scan facility, which would significantly improve diagnostic services and strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide advanced healthcare locally.
Shaheen said that SDH Gool, PHC Sangaldan, PHC Khari, PHC Ukharhal, PHC Neel, PHC Mangit, NTPHC Ramsoo and other healthcare institutions across the Banihal–Gool constituency would be progressively strengthened with better infrastructure, adequate manpower and improved medical facilities, with special focus on heart-care and other essential healthcare services for people living in remote and difficult terrain.
“People living in rural and difficult terrain areas deserve the same quality of healthcare as those living in urban centres. Our endeavour is to strengthen the healthcare network at the grassroots level and ensure that no person is deprived of timely and quality medical attention due to distance or lack of facilities,” Shaheen said.
He termed the medical camp an important initiative for bringing specialised healthcare, consultation and guidance closer to persons with disabilities. He stressed the need for organising such camps regularly, particularly in remote areas, to facilitate early diagnosis, treatment, medical assessment and access to various government welfare schemes.
A number of persons with disabilities availed themselves of the services provided at the camp, where they received medical examination, consultation and necessary guidance from the medical team.
Shaheen appreciated the Block Medical Officer (BMO) Banihal and his team for organising the camp and lauded the doctors, paramedical staff and other healthcare workers for their dedicated efforts. He said such initiatives not only provide immediate medical assistance but also help identify the healthcare requirements of vulnerable sections of society and facilitate timely intervention.
Later, Shaheen conducted a detailed tour of SDH Banihal to take stock of patient-care facilities and review the overall functioning of the hospital. He interacted with patients and their attendants, listened to their concerns and sought feedback regarding the facilities and services being provided at the hospital.
During the visit, Shaheen announced 10 air conditioners for all patient wards of SDH Banihal, aimed at improving the comfort and well-being of patients, particularly during extreme weather conditions. He also reviewed the availability of essential facilities and stressed the need for maintaining high standards of patient care and ensuring that patients and their attendants receive a comfortable and dignified environment at the hospital.
Health Department officials, doctors, paramedical staff, local party functionaries and attendants of beneficiaries were present on the occasion.
