Srinagar, 29 Jul: In a significant boost to public healthcare infrastructure in the historic Downtown area of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary and MLA Khanyar, Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar, along with MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar Wednesday inaugurated the first-ever AYUSH Satellite OPD at Gojwara, fulfilling a long-pending public demand and bringing affordable, accessible and holistic healthcare closer to the people of Shaher-e-Khaas.
The newly established facility will provide comprehensive primary healthcare services under the AYUSH system, including Unani consultation, Hijama (cupping therapy), free medicines and treatment by qualified medical professionals, ensuring timely and quality healthcare for thousands of residents living in the densely populated old city.
Describing healthcare as a fundamental right rather than a privilege, Sagar said the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to strengthening grassroots healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that quality medical services reach every neighbourhood, particularly underserved urban and rural areas.
“Healthcare must reach the people instead of forcing people to travel long distances in search of treatment. This facility reflects our commitment to delivering compassionate, accessible and people-centric governance,” he said.
To further strengthen the functioning of the new health centre, Sagar announced financial assistance from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the procurement of an ambulance and essential medical equipment, ensuring that emergency response and patient care are significantly enhanced.
Both Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar and Salman Ali Sagar expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo for prioritising healthcare expansion and extending unwavering support towards improving medical facilities across Jammu and Kashmir. They said the Omar Abdullah government remains steadfast in its vision of building an inclusive, modern and responsive healthcare system where quality treatment is accessible to every citizen irrespective of geography or economic status.
The inauguration was warmly welcomed by local residents who described the establishment of the AYUSH Satellite OPD as a landmark initiative for Shaher-e-Khaas. They said the facility would