J&K Health Minister Sakeena Itoo Orders Strict Sanitation and Winter Preparedness for Hospitals

Jammu | December 31, 2025:-Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, chaired a high-level review meeting today at the Civil Secretariat to overhaul cleanliness standards and winter readiness across Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) and District Hospitals in the Kashmir division.

Emphasizing that hospital management is a collective responsibility, the Minister directed Medical Superintendents to enforce a total ban on outside food and polythene bags within hospital premises. To ensure sustained hygiene, she ordered the formation of daily inspection committees at each facility and the establishment of an appreciation mechanism, including cash rewards and certificates, for sanitation staff who demonstrate exceptional performance.

In a move to modernize patient feedback and oversight, the Minister directed the Secretary of Health to launch a Central Control Room where the public can report issues specifically related to hospital cleanliness.

Addressing the overcrowding of facilities, the Minister issued strict instructions to limit the number of attendants to two per patient and mandated the installation of clear signage to help visitors navigate diagnostic tests and medical services. Additionally, a comprehensive audit of all hospital utilities has been ordered to identify and bridge infrastructure gaps, ensuring a more people-centric and organized healthcare environment.With the onset of severe winter weather, Minister Itoo stressed the importance of proactive planning for far-flung and snow-bound areas.

She directed health authorities to complete the advance stocking of essential medicines and medical equipment to prevent supply chain disruptions during heavy snowfall. A specific directive was also issued to the Director of Health to conduct a survey of expecting mothers in snow-prone regions to ensure their timely relocation and access to nearby healthcare facilities.

By prioritizing emergency services and critical care functionality, the government aims to guarantee uninterrupted, quality healthcare across the Kashmir division throughout the challenging winter months.