A program to upgrade health services competencies, access, and delivery in the Pir Panjal had been organized by GMC Rajouri and NHM JK.

Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, in coordination with the National Health Mission (NHM), Jammu and Kashmir, held a one-day professional development program (PDM) for medical staff in Mehra Campus. The project was aimed at upskilling knowledge and readiness levels of the healthcare providers in Rajouri and Poonch in the challenging Pir Panjal region to facilitate and reinforce healthcare provision.

Mission Director NHM J&K Baseer Ul Haq Chaudhary explained the significance of capacity building in enhancing healthcare delivery and commended frontline workers who are working under adverse conditions. He indicated that in Ayushman Bharat-Health & Wellness Centre, the redesigning of primary healthcare is being undertaken through the integration of non-communicable diseases/health, maternal and child health, mental health, and emergency care.

It was also pointed out that GMCs can play a leading role as centers of healthcare provision rather than simply academic institutions, providing specialized care and research solutions and professional training. Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, said the JK SEHAT App was a landmark to bring healthcare to the mountains and border villages.

The program also deliberated on disaster management, humanitarian assistance, measures that prevent violence against healthcare workers, and NHM program implementation. Prof. (Dr.) AS Bhatia, the principal of GMC Rajouri, stressed frequently applied professional development so that the healthcare staff was supplied with measures necessary with regard to the peculiarities of the region.

The sessions underscored the commitment of GMC Rajouri and NHM J&K to expand healthcare accessibility and enhance service delivery in remote areas.