Playing politics over Budhal deaths unwarranted: Sakeena Itoo
Jammu, Jan 16: Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo Thursday, while denying any negligence or delay on the part of the health department in case of Budhal deaths, cautioned that politics on the tragic scenario was unwarranted.
“There is no delay or negligence on the part of Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department. Please don’t do politics over this issue as people have lost their lives. The families of victims are already distraught. Right from day one, the H&ME Department has fulfilled all its responsibilities,” she stated, while responding to media queries following her visit to the Government Medical College, (GMC) Hospital Jammu.
“All test reports have clearly indicated that there is no infection, no disease. I have been in touch with the District Development Commissioner, Rajouri. Now, I have spoken to the SSP Rajouri telling him that it is a matter of investigation, now. They will investigate it. Once it is completed, we will share reports with the media,” the Minister for H&ME said.
The minister conducted an extensive inspection of Government Medical College (GMC) and Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) Jammu to assess the medical facilities, evaluate ongoing works and ensure effective functioning of healthcare services for the people of Jammu and surrounding regions.
The Minister undertook a comprehensive review of the infrastructure, equipment, patient care services and cleanliness standards maintained at the facility. She interacted with the hospital staff to gain first-hand insights into the challenges they face.
"Only medical professionals know that it takes 15-20 days to get an FSL report. This is a serious issue. It does not warrant to arrive at any conclusion in haste to hit the roads to do politics. Now SIT is investigating it. We will have to wait for it,” she further said, while commenting on the Badhaal deaths.
Itoo stated that it was unfortunate to lose fifteen lives, mostly children, in such a way. “Tragedy is beyond words. Eversince this tragedy has unfolded, the Health Department has taken all desired steps in a very proactive manner. It has activated its entire infrastructure to tackle the situation. All senior officers, including the Secretary Health and even I have personally visited the spot. Doctors’ teams were stationed there. All samples were collected and over 3,500 people were tested. It is not an easy task. Reports were sent to reputed institutions of the country. All reports have tested negative for any communicable disease,” she said.
“The victims were healthy persons and then developed symptoms like fever, vomiting, and became unconscious. They died a few days after they were admitted to the hospital. No public health angle in there. Now it is the matter of investigation which is being conducted by SIT. Outcome will be shared with the media,” Itoo said.
Visit to medical facilities
Itoo also inspected BSL Lab, VRDL ICMR lab, Chopra nursing home and other sections of the hospital. The minister laid emphasis on availability of essential medicines, diagnostic tools and manpower so that the patients are ensured due advantage of these facilities.
On the sidelines of the visit, the minister also chaired a meeting to review progress on various ongoing projects of GMC and Associated Hospitals. She also assessed the functioning of Bone and Joint Hospital, Jammu, SMGS Hospital Shalamar, MCCH Gandhinagar, State Cancer Institute Jammu, Chest Disease Hospital and Super Speciality Hospital Jammu.
During the meeting, the Minister took stock of infrastructure upgrades, status of under-construction buildings, procurement of modern medical equipment as well as requirement of manpower for smooth functioning of these health facilities.
While appreciating the efforts of the hospital administration in providing quality healthcare facilities, Sakeena Itoo emphasised the need for continued improvements in healthcare services to address the existing gaps.
She stressed on the importance of timely completion of these projects to enhance the overall efficiency and patient care standards in the region. The minister reiterated that patient-centric approach is priority of the current government. She asked the officers to work in synergy and ensure that every effort is made to provide affordable, accessible and high-quality healthcare facilities to all sections of society. Sakeena Itoo further underscored the need of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in healthcare facilities.
At Super Speciality Hospital, Sakeena Itoo inaugurated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to cater the growing emergency needs of the patients at the hospital. She inspected different sections of the hospital and also visited the Brachytherapy centre of the hospital as well as PET-CT Scan facility of the Hospital.
Interacting with the hospital administration, the minister advised them to facilitate the public so that they can take due benefits of these advanced test care facilities. She asked them to notify rates of all the diagnostic tests for the ease of patients and attendants.
