Experts gather to understand disease pattern, suggest action
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 7: The Secretary of the Tribal Affairs Department (TAD), today said the Government is aiming to establish a roadmap for addressing the healthcare challenges faced by the tribal population in the Union Territory of J&K while emphasizing the imperative need for collaboration to ensure healthcare access for these communities.
Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary took the lead in addressing a gathering of experts from across the country, including J&K, who had convened for a regional round table discussion organized by the Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, and ECHO India.
The purpose of the event-which discussed healthcare disparities in the tribal regions-organizers said, was to explore innovative solutions for strengthening the healthcare system for tribal communities in the UT and to submit recommendations to the Government for necessary action.
Dr Choudhary emphasized the collaborative nature of such endeavours, stating, “Our objective is to create a comprehensive roadmap that effectively addresses the unique healthcare challenges faced by tribal communities in the mountainous regions of J&K. Through collaboration, we aspire to forge a path towards a more resilient and accessible healthcare system.” He also highlighted the event’s timing, noting its importance in the context of national and international actions.
Officials informed Excelsior that the effort aimed to bring together key stakeholders through consultations and discussions to address the distinct healthcare challenges confronting tribal people in the region, underscoring the pivotal role of the gathering toward enhancing healthcare infrastructure and outcomes for tribal communities across the region.
Secretary, Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department, Bhupinder Kumar, who also participated virtually, underscored the significance of inclusivity and innovation. He acknowledged the commitment of stakeholders to empower tribal communities through healthcare solutions.
“An event of this nature serves as a platform for meaningful discussions and consultations, where experts come together to shape the future of healthcare for underserved tribal populations,” he said. “Our shared dedication reflects our resolve to empower these communities with equitable and effective healthcare solutions.” He also added that the Government is actively working to improve health systems’ capacity to reach these communities in J&K.
Principal GMC Srinagar, Dr Masood Tanvir, also hailed the roundtable dialogue as a significant step toward addressing the healthcare needs of tribal communities.
Dr Salim Khan, who heads the Community Medicine Department at GMC Srinagar, told Excelsior that the event was organized to understand disease patterns among the tribal population and recommend steps to ensure healthcare accessibility and affordability, with a strong focus on delivering quality healthcare to tribal communities.
Dr. Sandeep Bhalla from ECHO India, a non-profit trust dedicated to improving community well-being through capacity-building initiatives, stressed the importance of collaborative consultations. He noted that their partnership with GMC Srinagar aims to create a roadmap that leverages technology and expertise.
Follow our WhatsApp channel