JAMMU, OCTOBER 24: Mission Director National Health Mission (NHM) Jammu and Kashmir Athar Amir Ul Shafi Khan today visited Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar and Government Psychiatric Hospital, Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu to review healthcare service delivery and the implementation of NHM interventions.
At Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar, the Mission Director reviewed the availability of essential medicines, medical supplies, diagnostic facilities and other patient-care services. Focussing on maternal and child health, RBSK, immunisation and other primary and secondary healthcare services, he assessed the implementation of NHM programmes and the resources available for service delivery. He called for adequate stocks of essential medicines, timely diagnostics and stronger patient-centred services.
At Government Psychiatric Hospital, GMC Jammu, the Mission Director reviewed mental healthcare services and resources, focussing on psychiatric care, access to treatment, availability of essential psychotropic medicines and the implementation of NHM-supported mental health interventions, including the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP).
The MD visited the hospital’s Drug De-addiction Centre, inspected wards and interacted with faculty and the hospital administration on the facilities and services provided to patients. He directed that all patients visiting the centre be screened for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C and that those found susceptible to Hepatitis B be vaccinated as per applicable guidelines. Screening, vaccination and treatment will be coordinated under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP).
A comprehensive action plan and duty rosters will be prepared for systematic implementation, documentation and follow-up, strengthening early detection and prevention among high-risk groups towards the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030. He stressed the need for accessible, affordable and quality mental healthcare, continuity of treatment, timely intervention and sustained efforts to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
Interacting with hospital authorities and healthcare personnel at both institutions, the Mission Director sought feedback on service delivery, infrastructure requirements, resource availability and operational challenges. He called for effective monitoring, optimal utilisation of resources and close coordination between hospital administrations and NHM officials to address gaps and improve healthcare outcomes.
Among those accompanying the Mission Director were Chief Medical Officer Jammu Dr Narinder Bhatial, Medical Superintendent Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar Dr Sanjay Arora, Medical Superintendent Psychiatric Diseases Hospital Dr Rakesh Sharma, Immunisation Officer Health and Family Welfare Dr Sunil Kailu, State Nodal Officer NHM Dr Parvesh Chalotra, Programme Manager NHM Dr Mir Iqbal and other senior officers and officials.
