Dignified Care First: Sakeena Itoo Directs Swift Housing Allotment and Free Healthcare for Jammu and Kashmir’s Leprosy Patients
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 8, 2026 — In a major push toward compassionate healthcare and comprehensive social security, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education Sakeena Itoo chaired a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat to overhaul the welfare measures for leprosy patients across the region. Reaffirming the Omar Abdullah-led administration’s dedication to uplifting vulnerable communities, the Minister outlined immediate, concrete steps designed to ensure both dignified living conditions and complete medical assistance for affected individuals and their families.
During the extensive deliberations, the Minister took stock of critical operational and social challenges faced by the patients, particularly those residing at the historic Leper Hospital in Bahrar. Prioritizing immediate relief, Sakeena Itoo ordered the swift allotment of residential quarters to all eligible families without any administrative delays. To strengthen emergency response and medical mobility, she directed the immediate deployment of a dedicated ambulance exclusively for the hospital, ensuring that residents receive prompt medical attention whenever required.
Addressing healthcare access, the Minister announced that leprosy patients will receive completely free medical care, diagnostic investigations, and medicines at all government hospitals throughout Srinagar. This initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers so that patients can seek specialized care without added stress. To further enhance medical outcomes, the meeting evaluated the progress of reconstructive surgeries performed over the past two years and addressed the critical need for dedicated caretakers to assist individuals who lack immediate family support.
The meeting saw active participation from key administrative and medical leaders, including Zadibal Lawmaker Tanvir Ali Sadiq, SMC Commissioner Fazlul Haseeb, SKIMS Director Professor M Ashraf Ganie, GMC Srinagar Principal Dr Iffat Hassan Shah, the Director of Health Services Kashmir, and the Chief Medical Officer of Srinagar, along with representatives from the patient community. Expressing gratitude for the rapid administrative response, Tanvir Ali Sadiq noted that these targeted directives will fundamentally transform the daily lives, dignity, and long-term security of the residents at Bahrar Leper Hospital, marking a decisive step forward in inclusive governance.