MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Health Minister Dr Mustafa Bashir Abbasi has announced plans to introduce surgical services at the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital in Samahni and upgrade a basic health unit (BHU) in Bandala to a rural health centre (RHC).
During a visit to Samahni, in Bhimber district, the minister also announced the provision of new ambulances for Samahni and Bandala and measures to address staff shortages at health facilities in the area.
According to an official statement issued by the Bhimber information department, the minister announced steps to appoint a gynaecologist, a medical specialist and other essential staff at the THQ hospital, with a view to developing it into a model health facility.
He also issued orders for the appointment of a doctor at the civil dispensary in Jandi Chontra and assured officials that problems at other health facilities, including the dispensary in Dhab Valley, would be addressed.
The minister inspected the THQ hospital and health facilities in Bandala, Dhab Valley, Jandi Chontra, Choki and Puna to review the availability of medical services and staffing requirements.
He also visited the Chinar Free Dialysis Centre at the THQ hospital, where he appreciated the provision of free dialysis to patients with kidney diseases and assured its management of his support. He also inquired about the treatment facilities available to patients admitted to the hospital. Dr Abbasi said mobile medical camps were also being held to provide basic healthcare to people in remote areas.
He said the government was taking measures to improve healthcare services under its 100-day development and reform programme. The purpose of visiting the health facilities, he added, was to assess conditions on the ground, identify problems and determine priorities for addressing them.
Samahni lawmaker Chaudhry Mohammad Razzaq, who had invited the minister to the area, said local residents needed access to quality healthcare like people in other parts of the territory.
Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2026
