Sakeena Itoo inaugurates two days Annual Sports Meet of GMC Srinagar

Emphasizes on importance of mental well-being of healthcare professionals for quality healthcare service delivery

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 09: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo inaugurated two days Annual Sports Meet-2025 of Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar at Boys Hostel Bemina here today.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Minister underscored the crucial link between the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals and its impact on overall quality of healthcare delivery.

“Our doctors and medical students are the backbone of healthcare system. Their physical fitness and emotional balance directly influence the care they provide. Initiatives like these help rejuvenate their spirits and foster teamwork and positivity”, Minister Sakeena stated.

Commending GMC Srinagar for organizing the event, the Minister highlighted that sports and recreational activities are essential components of stress management, especially for those in demanding medical professions. She underlined that sports plays a vital role in decreasing the mental stress that medical students face while adhering to their rigorous academic schedule.

The Minister also asked the GMC Srinagar administration to upgrade facilities at this playground of Boys Hostel so that maximum students are attracted towards extra curricular activities.

Principal GMC Srinagar, Dr. Iffat Hassan expressed gratitude to the Minister for constant support. She said that sports improve confidence, balance, focus and appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee.

Earlier, the Minister interacted with participants, faculty and medical students.

Chairman Sports Committee, GMC Srinagar, Dr. Salim Iqbal, played a key role in planning and organizing the event.

Pertinently, during the two days Annual Sports Meet sporting events like cricket, volleyball, football, badminton, table tennis, carrom, tug of war, and musical chair are being held, besides track and field events like 100m, 200m, 400m, relay, shot put, javelin throw, and discus throw will also form the part of sports meet. Fun games like matka race, sack race, and spoon and egg race also added energy to the program to celebrate camaraderie and holistic well-being among medical professionals and students.

Principal GMC Srinagar, Dr. Iffat Hassan Shah; Administrator GMC Srinaga, Mohammad Ashraf Hakak; Heads of Departments, Medical Superintendents, faculty members, students and staff were also present on the occasion.