Health Minister Sakeena Itoo Launches Green Initiative at Ganderbal District Hospital to Boost Healthcare Quality

GANDERBAL, J&K — February 24, 2026In a significant move to blend environmental sustainability with clinical excellence, Sakeena Itoo, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, led a comprehensive plantation drive at District Hospital Ganderbal today.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to align Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare facilities with the Kayakalp and National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS). By personally planting saplings on the hospital grounds, the Minister emphasized that a clean, green, and aesthetic environment is not merely a social duty but a vital component of patient recovery and quality care delivery.

She highlighted that such “green hospitals” significantly improve air quality and reduce pollution, fostering a more healing atmosphere for patients, their families, and healthcare workers alike.

During the event, Minister Itoo reaffirmed the Omar Abdullah-led Government’s commitment to modernizing the region’s healthcare infrastructure through strict adherence to national hygiene and waste management protocols.

She praised the hospital administration, led by Medical Superintendent Dr. Farah Shafi, for their dedication to maintaining high sanitation standards and infection control. The Minister urged all medical staff to adopt eco-friendly practices, including rigorous biomedical waste management and energy conservation.

To ensure long-term impact, the drive will be followed by ongoing environmental awareness activities, further cementing District Hospital Ganderbal’s position as a benchmark for sustainable and efficient healthcare in the Union Territory.