J&K Medical Council partners with ECHO-India to boost healthcare capacity

ECHO India, a not-for-profit organization transforming capacity-building in healthcare, education, and livelihoods, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council (JKMC), a statutory body dedicated to nurturing a skilled and ethical medical community across Jammu & Kashmir. This collaboration aims to strengthen capacity-building and Continuing Medical Education for the medical fraternity in Jammu & Kashmir, fostering accessible and equitable healthcare across the region. Through the innovative ECHO model of case-based learning, the programs will deliver expert-led mentorship to local healthcare providers, cultivating a robust knowledge-sharing network.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Prof. (Dr.) S. Muhammad Salim Khan, President, JKMC on behalf of J&K Medical Council with ECHO India in presence of Dr. Sandeep Bhalla, Vice President, Projects, Ms. Paromita Das, General Manager, Projects, Dr. Mariya Beigh from ECHO India and Prof. Sandeep Dogra, Registrar, Prof. Vishal Tandon, Prof. Mehnaaz Sultan, Prof. Asifa Nazir and Dr. Jyoti Jolly members of JK Medical Council.
Prof. (Dr.) S. Muhammad Salim Khan, President, JKMC remarked, “This partnership is a crucial step toward bridging healthcare access and knowledge gaps in Jammu & Kashmir. Collaborating with ECHO India empowers our healthcare providers with essential tools and mentorship, enabling them to serve communities more effectively.” J&K Medical Council in addition to its regular role shall be conducting regular accredited CMEs for all registered medical practitioners with acclaimed resource persons and this shall not only enhance their knowledge including recent advances in the ever changing landscape of medical practice but bring doctors into the knowledge network who works in peripheral health set-up. J&K Medical Council shall be issuing registration certificates from January 2025 for five years validity and need renewal with 30 CME credit hours. This collaboration shall help registered medical doctors in earning required accredited CME credit hours.
Dr. Sandeep Bhalla, Vice President, Projects, ECHO India, added, “ECHO-India is honored to partner with the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council to drive impactful and scalable healthcare capacity-building initiatives. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to strengthening the healthcare ecosystem in the Union Territory, ensuring equitable access to quality care for all.”
ECHO India already actively enages with state departments and medical institutions in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, focusing on skill development for healthcare professionals, social workers, and community health workers. Its initiatives address critical areas such as Tribal Health, Tuberculosis, Oncology, Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC), and Geriatric Healthcare.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing healthcare capacity-building in the region, ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality care for all.