Srinagar, August 11: In response to growing public health concerns in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday announced that food testing laboratories will be established at every district headquarters to ensure the quality and safety of meat, poultry, and other consumables.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, attended by three concerned ministers, senior departmental officials, and other stakeholders.
Minister Itoo pointed to a worrying rise in serious illnesses across the region, including cancer, liver disease, heart attacks, and tumors. Medical experts have reported nearly 51,000 cancer cases in J&K. The government is now investigating possible links between such illnesses and harmful substances in food, with chemical contamination and adulteration identified as key areas of concern.
She warned that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in food adulteration. The planned district-level labs will conduct regular testing to assess the safety and edibility of food items.
Addressing another issue, Itoo expressed concern over the circulation of outdated videos relating to healthcare services. She said repeated sharing of such material could undermine the morale of medical professionals and disrupt healthcare delivery. While reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing complaints of medical negligence, she stressed the importance of maintaining trust between patients and healthcare workers.
The new initiative is expected to strengthen food safety oversight and bolster public health infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
