Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated the first Academic batch of 100 MBBS students of Government Medical College, Doda.

He was flanked by the Union MoS in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh.

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Addressing the gathering through virtual mode, the Lt Governor congratulated the aspiring doctors and advised them to serve humanity and imbibe the spirit of selflessness.

Speaking on the efforts being made by the UT Government for the development of the health sector, the Lt Governor observed that J&K Government is taking several reformative measures for the advancement and upgradation of health infrastructure, besides providing affordable healthcare services to all.

"We are determined to fulfill the vision of a new and healthy J&K", said the Lt Governor.

Terming the healthcare sector as imperative for the development of J&K, the Lt Governor observed that J&K is spending 2.86% of its GSDP on public health, which is the best in the country. Special attention is being paid to three areas - Prevention, Better Treatment, and Care, he added.

The Lt Governor also termed the role of medicine students important in strengthening the healthcare system of J&K.

The Lt Governor further underscored the significant measures taken by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing reforms in the health sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Five new medical colleges, two AIIMS, nearly 1000 healthcare and wellness centers, five new nursing colleges, B.Sc paramedical course as well as more than 100% increase in medical seats are contributing towards the development and advancement of the healthcare sector in the UT, he added.

Tendering process for establishing two new medical colleges in Udhampur and Handwara, at an estimated cost of Rs 325 crores each, has been started which will lead to tremendous health security improvement in remote areas, maintained the Lt Governor and appreciated the Health department and the team for making dedicated and committed efforts in bringing J&K among the States / UTs with the best health indicators and health index across the country.

Underlining the improvements recorded by J&K in different health indicators, the Lt Governor observed that the Health Index of J&K shows incremental improvements and positive changes, said the Lt Governor.

In the last three years, the neonatal mortality rate in Jammu and Kashmir has come down from 23.1 to 13.3 per 1000.

The infant mortality rate has come down from 32.4 to 16.3 per 1000. Sex Ratio at birth has increased from 923 to 976 per 1000. Institutional deliveries have increased from 7% to 92.4%, the Lt Governor maintained.

To promote AYUSH care services, two AYUSH colleges - Unani and an Ayurvedic college have been started. Facilities of AYUSH are also being provided to 571 Stand Alone Dispensaries, he added.

Jammu and Kashmir has received Rs 881 crore for 140 health projects under PMDP out of which 75 projects have been completed and 26 projects will be completed by March this year, said the Lt Governor.

World Bank is providing financial assistance of Rs 367 crore to Jammu and Kashmir, which will further strengthen the health care institutions here, he added.

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