Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 22: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad today unveiled the statue of former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi at Indira Chowk here.
Paying homage to the great leader, Azad said that Indira Gandhi has left an indelible mark in the history of India with her vision and ideals which have shaped the India of today. He said that Indira Gandhi was a leader of masses who took radical steps for development of the people and the nation.
Recalling his association with the leader, Azad said that her ideology has left ineffaceable mark on his life and career, adding that it was her encouragement that helped the party cadre to put in hard toil and work for the development and prosperity of the country. He said that with her able and bold leadership she steered the country out of several challenges and strengthened the unity and integrity of the nation. She will always be remembered for her contribution for strengthening the values of secularism, socialism and unity of the country,”
Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Ministers Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Raman Bhalla, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Abdul Majid Wani, Manohar Lal Sharma, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Vikar Rasool Wani, MP Madan Lal Sharma, Vice Chairman, State Social Welfare Board Khem Lata Wakhloo and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
Later, the Union Minister laid the foundation stone of 100 bedded Rajiv Gandhi Hospital at Gangyal which would be raised under NRHM with an estimated cost of Rs 72.45 crore. The hospital would be constructed by J&K Housing Board and will have an O.P.D Block, I.P.D Block, Operation theatres, I.C.U, N.IC.U and other treatment and diagnostic facilities.
Referring to the recent announcement of four medical colleges and two Cancer Institutes for the state, Azad informed that one each would be established at Kupwara in Kashmir valley and Udhampur district of Jammu. He also said that all possibilities would be explored to provide an exclusive Medical College for the people of twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Regarding establishment of these newly sanctioned health institutions, the Union Minister directed the concerned authorities to complete all the necessary formalities including land identification so that the work on these prestigious projects could be started at the earliest.
Minister for Horticulture, Housing and Culture Raman Bhalla in his address said that the under the able leadership of the Ghulam Nabi Azad there has been tremendous growth in the modern health care system in all parts of the state. He thanked the UPA Government for liberal funding to the state to steer the state towards development.
Follow our WhatsApp channel