Jammu: National Conference State Secretary and former MLC, Rattan Lal Gupta, today blamed the Jammu and Kashmir Administration and the BJP for letting down the Jammu region on health infrastructure front, especially in setting up of Oxygen Generating Plants and allocating adequate beds for COVID-19 patients.
“The reports about Jammu getting just one oxygen plant is quite disturbing despite funds having been allocated well in time,” Rattan Lal Gupta said in a statement issued from the Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan, asking if over two dozen such plants could be established in the Valley what stopped Jammu to have these in place even as the funds were reportedly made available to both the divisions at the same time.
Gupta sought a probe into the laxity in setting up oxygen generating facilities and fixing responsibility of the officers, who compromised with medical emergencies. Disciplinary should be initiated against the erring officers for their negligence and delaying tactics, he added.
The NC State Secretary also expressed concern over designating just 511 beds in the entire Jammu division for COVID patients, saying it is too small a number given the rising number of cases. A realistic roadmap ought to have been devised in view the alarming situation. He appreciated the Valley administration for taking advance measures by converting indoor stadiums as COVID hospitals. A similar proactive approach should have been adopted in Jammu as well, he observed.
“At this critical juncture we don’t want to politicize the issues but the administration should come out with a blueprint about measures taken for combating pandemic,” Gupta said, adding that Jammu people need answers about lackadaisical approach adopted in setting up of Oxygen Generating Plants and designating more hospitals to meet the exigencies, he said.
Gupta lauded the frontline warriors including doctors, para-medics, technicians, health and hygiene staff, police, security forces and all those engaged in tackling the situation and putting their best within given logistical support.
