Lt. Governor Inaugurates ‘J&K Health Conclave’ on Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases, Launches Innovative Initiatives
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the ‘J&K Health Conclave’ focused on mental health and non-communicable diseases in Srinagar today.
During the event, the J&K Health and Medical Education Department signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre and NIMHANS, marking important collaborations.
A significant highlight was the launch of India’s first Tele-MANAS Chat-bot for J&K UT, ensuring round-the-clock access to health counselors, clinical psychologists, and consultants.
Addressing the conclave, the Lt. Governor applauded the efforts of the Health Department in bringing together medical experts to address the most challenging health issues, while also generating awareness about mental health and life-threatening non-communicable diseases.
Emphasizing patient-centered care, the Lt. Governor stated, “Our ultimate objective is to provide quality care that focuses on the physical as well as emotional well-being of individual patients, starting from Primary Health Centers to District Hospitals.”
He highlighted that the new initiatives launched signify the J&K Administration’s commitment to delivering quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services for all residents.
The MoU between the J&K Health and Medical Education Department and the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre aims to improve cancer care services in the UT. It will support the establishment of Preventive Oncology Service, Day Care Centres, and Palliative Care Service at District Hospitals.
Another significant MoU signed with NIMHANS Bengaluru will enhance mental health services, training, and capacity building for Medical Officers and nursing staff.
The Lt. Governor shared the remarkable progress made in developing a holistic healthcare ecosystem in the UT over the past few years, with per capita spending on the health sector ranking among the highest in the country.
He called upon the medical fraternity and stakeholders to deliberate on necessary structural changes in the healthcare sector, advocating for progressive rules and laws to align with modern healthcare practices.
The Lt. Governor also advised the Health Department to involve communities in awareness campaigns for the National Mental Health Program, ensuring its benefits reach those in need.
Additionally, 44 healthcare facilities worth Rs. 56.18 crore were inaugurated to strengthen the medical infrastructure. Several initiatives were rolled out to fortify health system resilience, including T3- Test, Treat and Talk Anemia Camps, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Programme, and the Scan and Share service for OPD registration.
Furthermore, the Lt. Governor distributed Volunteer Engagement certificates to ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and highlighted the recruitment of 380 Additional ASHAs and 31 ASHA Facilitators by the National Health Mission, Jammu and Kashmir, approved by the Government of India.
The conclave witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Sh. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt. Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh. Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary Health and Medical Education; Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO representative to India; Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director NIMHANS; Dr. RA Badwe, Director Tata Memorial Centre; Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre; Prof. Parvaiz Ahmad Koul, Director SKIMS; Prof. Masood Tanvir, Principal GMC Srinagar, and various heads of departments, medical experts, and members from the medical fraternity.
