Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 11: Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) has sought resignation of the Health and Medical Education Minister Rajinder Singh Chib over more than 1300 deaths of children at G B Pant Children Hospital during the past one and half years.
The KEA has urged United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson and President of Indian National Congress, Sonia Gandhi to intervene and ask Chib to resign.
The KEA, an amalgam of trade, tourism, transport and hotel associations of the Valley, has shot an e-mail to UPA Chairperson asking her to take remedial measures so that the mortality rate of the children especially infants at G B Pant Children Hospital is put to rest.
The KEA chairman in the mail writes that the deaths of infants have occurred due to gross negligence of people at the helm. He said the onus of this grave tragedy lies with the Health and Medical Education Minister, who is from the Congress party.
“It is unfortunate that the high command of the Congress party is yet to act in real sense, knowing the irresponsibility of the Health and Medical Education Minister. The tragedy in the form of infant and children deaths is grave in nature and unpardonable as well” said Khan.
The KEA has appreciated the concern shown by Congress President for divesting Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed of the education portfolio following allegations that he helped his son to pass the 10th class examination while resorting to copying. The Alliance demanded similar action against the health and medical education minister.
Meanwhile, addressing a press conference this afternoon, the KEA chairman said that Health and Medical Education Minister should resign on moral grounds. He said the Minister has no moral authority to remain in office following death of around more than 1350 children since January 1, 2011 till date.
Khan demanded immediate arrest of former Medical Superintendent, G B Pant Hospital, Dr. Javed Chaudhary, adding Dr. Chaudhary is the main culprit in the whole mess and action against him would have given a signal that the ‘murderers’ would not be spared.
Secretary General, KEA, Siraj Ahmad said that the money sent by the Union Health Ministry led by Ghulam Nabi Azad for implementation of various health schemes were not being utilized by the State’s Health Department. He said money meant for distribution of free medicines at G B Pant Children hospital and other hospitals has remained unutilized over the years.
“Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad should appoint a commission so that a probe is conducted as to how much money has been spent by the State Government with regard to Centrally sponsored health schemes. Accountability is lacking in the state and same needs to be inculcated for a better and healthy future,” said Siraj.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel