Sakeena Itoo Lays Foundation Stones for Degree College and Health Centre in Mattan

SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo on Saturday laid the foundation stones for the Government Degree College (GDC) Mattan and a new building for the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Mattan. The projects aim to expand access to higher education and improve medical facilities in the region under the Omar Abdullah-led government.

The foundation-laying ceremony was attended by MLA Shangus–Anantnag East Reyaz Ahmad Khan, MLA Anantnag West Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi, senior officials from various departments, and a large gathering of locals and students.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakeena reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable development, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. “Education and health form the backbone of a progressive society. Establishing a degree college and a health centre in Mattan demonstrates our vision to empower youth with quality education and ensure accessible healthcare for all,” she said.

The minister announced that the new college building will feature modern classrooms, laboratories, a library, and other advanced facilities. She also revealed that a bus service will be provided for students and that a science stream will be introduced from the next academic session, with other streams added as per student demand.

Highlighting the government’s achievements, Sakeena Itoo said that numerous posts in the education and health sectors have been referred to recruitment agencies and that vacancies for college principals have been largely filled. She added that doctors, lecturers, assistant professors, and paramedical staff have been recruited and posted in deserving areas to improve service delivery.

Emphasising the government’s focus on healthcare in underserved regions, she noted that the new PHC Mattan building will be equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities to ensure timely medical care at the local level.

Later, the minister visited Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Seer, where she inaugurated a Physiotherapy Unit equipped with modern rehabilitation equipment and trained staff. She said the unit would strengthen therapeutic and rehabilitative healthcare services in the area.

During her visit, Sakeena Itoo interacted with medical staff and residents, assuring them of continued support in addressing manpower gaps and improving health infrastructure. She also directed officials to maintain high standards of patient care and sanitation in all health institutions.

Local residents expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts to enhance educational and healthcare infrastructure in Mattan, terming the initiatives as a vital boost to the region’s development.