Jahangeer Ganaie
Anantnag, Sep 24: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Thursday countered Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks, asserting that it was not the National Conference (NC) but the party led by her that “weakened the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Speaking to reporters, after inaugurating a newly constructed healthcare building worth Rs 2.71 crore at Arwani village in Anantnag, Itoo said the Omar Abdullah-led government has prioritised strengthening healthcare infrastructure, safeguarding the horticulture sector and ensuring equitable development across the Union Territory.
“From resuming work on stalled projects to establishing MRI and Cath labs, our government’s focus has been to bring modern healthcare facilities to people’s doorsteps. Patient care and welfare remain our top priority,” she said.
Responding to Mehbooba Mufti’s recent statement that the government has “broken the back” of Kashmir’s fruit growers, Itoo stressed that horticulture is the backbone of the region’s economy and any hardships faced today are the result of “years of neglect and flawed policies by previous regimes.”
“It is ironic that those who weakened the sector now blame others. Mehbooba Mufti is responsible for the economic mess and the pain people face today. Over the past year, our government has been working tirelessly to streamline systems and restart stalled projects,” she added.
The Minister also called for greater accountability in developmental works executed after 2014, saying poor-quality construction had led to frequent damage of roads and embankments.
“Even a brief spell of rain causes roads and bunds to collapse. This raises serious questions about the quality of work undertaken in recent years. Vigilance and inquiry are essential to ensure public money has not been wasted,” Itoo said.
She said healthcare has been placed at the forefront, with major hospitals being equipped with MRIs, Cath labs, linear accelerators and PET scans to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities within the region.
