Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Aug, 02
Shiv Sena Hindustan J&K President Pt Rajesh Kesri today while addressing a press conference claimed that in border areas, several communities already residing in the most difficult conditions do not have access to even basic health care facilities. Several such villages are devoid of any health centres and if there is one, its effectiveness is marred due to many concerns such as shortage or unavailability of staff, insufficient medicines, and infrastructure problems. Addressing media persons, Kesri said that Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Social Endeavour for Health and Telemedicine (SEHAT) scheme aims to extend health insurance coverage in J&K. As part of the initiative, free of cost insurance cover of up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided to all the residents of J&K. To ensure that residents of the border villages are able to benefit from the insurance scheme, health care infrastructure should be strengthened in and around these border villages. Kesri observed that from lack of fuel in ambulances to unavailability of experts to provide critical care, health facilities remain poor. Several health facilities in border areas are facing shortage of specialist doctors affecting the patient care. The health department should conduct an inspection and fill the posts so that people don’t suffer. The lack of healthcare facilities in rural areas is evident by the fact that patients across places are compelled to move to district or sub-district hospitals for treatment of minor ailments. He said that strengthening health infrastructure in remote as well as border areas of J&K will help border residents during any mishappening.He claimed that many health care institutions in border areas are without doctors and in case of some emergency there is no one to look after the patients. He emphasised the need to channelise efforts towards villages located near the border and within specified perimeters. Regarding health facilities, Kesri demanded to assess the Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and Community Sub-Centres, ensuring they meet minimum requirements. “Any additional requirements should be promptly identified and addressed. Furthermore, the focus should be on the AB-PMJAY scheme and achieving full saturation of ABHA cards”, he said. The Youth Services and Sports Department should be mandated to ensure regular sports activities in all border areas. The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department should monitor the delivery of ration and related services, including the ration card conversion process. The Social Welfare department should evaluate the coverage of departmental welfare schemes and submitting status reports. Various irrigation and other departmental functions should also be reviewed, with a strong emphasis on motivating officers to deliver results.Prominent among those present on the occasion include Balwant Saini, Balveer Kumar, Darshana Devi.
