rki.news

Altaf Hamid Rao.

MIRPUR (AJK), May 5: Medical Superintendent Divisional Teaching Hospital Mirpur, Professor Dr. Ijaz Ahmed Raja, has said that the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is taking serious and practical steps to upgrade the health sector in line with modern requirements, terming the allocation of Rs. 20 million for emergency services by Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore as a “significant and unprecedented initiative” for improving healthcare delivery in the region.
He was speaking to local media representatives on Tuesday at the hospital. Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. Maria Zulfiqar and heads of various hospital departments were also present on the occasion.
Dr. Ijaz Ahmed Raja said that under the emergency uplift plan, the capacity of the emergency department at DHQ Hospital Mirpur has been significantly improved with the immediate increase in beds from 12 to 24. He said this expansion will ensure faster and more effective treatment for patients arriving in critical condition.
He further said that a proposal has been submitted to upgrade the Kashmir Institute of Cardiology into a full-fledged cardiac hospital. According to him, the Prime Minister has assured that the proposal will be presented in the next cabinet meeting for consideration. He added that the budget of the institute has already been increased from Rs. 6 million to Rs. 60 million, which will significantly enhance medical services and operational efficiency.
Dr. Ijaz said that efforts are also underway to make the Cath Lab fully functional by introducing modern bypass and stent facilities, enabling heart patients to receive advanced treatment locally without referral outside the region.
He further announced that steps are being taken to construct a perimeter wall around the hospital to strengthen security and ensure a safer environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
To improve transparency in patient management, the MS said a formal referral system is being introduced. This will help monitor cases where referrals are made and ensure accountability in the decision-making process at both medical and administrative levels.
He expressed gratitude to the AJK government and local leadership for their continued support and personal interest in improving hospital services. He said such interventions are helping strengthen healthcare delivery for the general public.
Dr. Ijaz emphasized that negligence or administrative lapse by any medical or paramedical staff will not be tolerated. He said patient care and life-saving treatment remain the hospital’s top priority.
He added that he will continue working without pressure or influence and will take all decisions in the best interest of institutional improvement and patient welfare.
Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. Maria Zulfiqar also highlighted ongoing measures to further enhance healthcare services at DHQ Hospital Mirpur, focusing on efficiency, patient care, and service delivery improvements.