Srinagar, Apr 07 (KNO): On the occasion of World Health Day, the health professionals across Jammu and Kashmir here have urged the citizens to prioritize preventive care and embrace healthier lifestyles to stay healthy
Renowned Surgeon, Prof Dr. Iqbal Salim, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), emphasized the pivotal role of diet in preventing and managing diseases. “We often take our health for granted. A large proportion of health issues today are directly linked to poor dietary habits. We need to rethink what we eat and understand whether our food choices are nourishing or harming our bodies.”
Dr. Salim expressed concern over the increasing consumption of calorie-dense and highly processed foods, especially among children. He warned that such eating patterns are fuelling a surge in obesity and related complications like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders.
“It’s not just about avoiding junk food; it’s about making informed and mindful choices. A balanced diet, combined with regular physical activity—even just 20 to 30 minutes a day—can have transformative effects on our well-being,” he noted.
Dr. Sajad Nazir, a noted Urologist, took the opportunity to highlight the significant progress in the region’s healthcare delivery system, particularly lauding the achievements of Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar.
“GMC Srinagar has steadily risen to become a beacon of excellence in healthcare, offering advanced and specialized services on par with national institutions like AIIMS and PGI,” he said.
The Department of Urology at GMC has emerged as one of the premier centers in the country, equipped with modern technology and treatment protocols.
Dr. Nazir shared that plans are underway to introduce robotic surgery, marking a new chapter in minimally invasive procedures for patients in the Valley. “These advancements are not just technological milestones—they reflect our deep commitment to making world-class healthcare accessible to every citizen,” he added.
Other doctors said that though there are better health facilities in Jammu and Kashmir but there are many things in which there is need for improvement.
They said that vacancies need to be filled at an earliest and infrastructure like PeT scans, MRIs and radiation facilities need to be made available in every GMC on priority.
As the world observes Health Day under the theme of “My Health, My Right,” experts from Jammu and Kashmir are reminding people that good health is a shared responsibility—starting with individual choices and supported by strong medical institutions—(KNO)