Srinagar: Minister of Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo on Tuesday criticised Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the happenings of and since August 05, 2019 including abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. She said the people of Jammu and Kashmir will never trust the PDP in future.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir trusted the PDP in 2002 and again in 2014, but they have learned from their mistakes. Our statehood, our special status under Article 370, our jobs — everything is lost because of them. People regret giving them two chances,” Itoo told reporters outside the Legislative Assembly in Jammu.
She alleged that even during Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s tenure with Congress, governance in Jammu and Kashmir suffered badly. “The position of chief minister itself was diminished due to their actions,” she asserted.
When asked about the lacunae in the state’s healthcare system, she admitted to long-standing deficiencies, particularly the shortage of doctors and paramedics.
On this also, she alleged that previous ministers focused only on ceremonial events of cutting a ribbon and carving names on stones rather than real progress in health infrastructure.
“If past administrations’ records were examined, they would be embarrassed. They have only cut ribbons, but nothing substantial was done for augmenting healthcare infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir,” she alleged.
She assured that Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to improving healthcare infrastructure and services in J&K. “In just three months, we have done more work than what was achieved in the last ten years. We are dedicated to ensuring good healthcare services, proper patient care, and filling vacant positions in the sector,” she said.
Itoo reiterated the administration’s commitment to fulfilling the needs of the people, promising significant improvements under the current leadership. “The government is duty-bound to address genuine issues,” she stated.