Excelsior Correspondent
BASOHLI/KATHUA, Apr 13: Union Health Minister and senior AICC leader Ghulam Nabi Azad has described the sanctioning of five Medical Colleges for J&K State as historic decision of Congress led UPA Government and said that it will help to provide advance medical facilities to the people in Kathua, Doda and other parts of the State at their door-steps.
Mr Azad pointed out that earlier only three Medical Colleges were here in the State but now, the tally has gone to eight as five more have been sanctioned by Congress led UPA Government. “It is not mere an announcement but the amount for its set up has also been released and soon after the Model Code of conduct, you will see its visibility around you,” Mr Azad said adding that Super Specialty Hospital on the pattern of AIIMS, has also been made functional in Jammu, which would help the people of State to get advance medical care in home State”.
Addressing series of public meetings in hilly belts of Billawar and Basohli Assembly segments of district Kathua, Mr Azad who is contesting Lok Sabha election from Doda-Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, referred to the decision of his ministry to open Medical College at Kathua, and highlighted that “Five Medical Colleges have been sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir and the amount for its set up has also been sanctioned. He said that this decision has been taken due to problems being faced by the residents of Kathua and particularly the people living all along border and hilly belts of the district”.
“Now, your children would not have to go far off either at Jammu or in other States of the country for Medical Education. Your children would become doctors in Kathua only. Who has done this? Has the decision taken to please any particular community? Instead of exploiting the sentiments of people on caste and religious lines, what positive and progressive role have you seen of such political parties? It is Congress party’s vision, which has delivered five Medical Colleges to J&K and especially to Kathua district. This decision would provide advance medical facilities to one and all irrespective of any caste or religion,” Mr Azad maintained, cautioning the people to give befitting reply to those who are exploiting religious sentiments in elections.
“Revolution never take place in a day, but we are trying utmost best to give sigh of relief to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and other states”, said the AICC leader adding that creation of new administrative units, opening of hospitals, health centers, presence of ASHA workers, NRHM reveals UPA’s commitment and dedication.
Seeking mandate of the people to accelerate developmental activities in remotest and far-flung areas, Union Minister said that Congress was committed to counter and defeat divisive forces tooth and nail and would always work for development of the country and countrymen irrespective of any caste, colour or religion.
Mr Azad further reminded the people about various developmental projects which were started during his tenure as Chief Minister for the development of this region. “Many projects are still incomplete”, he said and sought support of the people to finish that incomplete projects to improve their socio-economic conditions.
Observing that Congress is contesting Lok Sabha elections on development plank, Mr Azad said that during its regime Congress had proved how to deliver good governance to the people. He called upon the people to beware of the policies being formulated by the divisive forces and urged them to strengthen the hands of secular Congress party, which ensures development and integrity of nation.
Minister of State for Cooperatives, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma, MLC and Congress spokesperson, Ravinder Sharma and senior NC leader from Basohli, Devinder Singh Bindu also accompanied Azad.
Later in the afternoon, Mr Azad landed in Kathua town and held series of mass contact programmes in the town and adjoining villages including Dhani Bhagta, Padyari-Muthi and Chandwan.
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