Javid Choudhary, the MLA of Budhal in Rajouri, has blamed the worsening health crisis in Budhal in which 17 people have died due to unknown causes on the dual power structure in Jammu and Kashmir and bureaucratic indifference.
Talking to reporters, Choudhary also criticised the Principal of Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, Dr Ashutosh, for failing to refer patients from Budhal to PGI Chandigarh for advanced treatment.
“Despite my best efforts, Principal Dr Ashutosh didn’t refer patients to Chandigarh,” he said. “As a result, one patient’s condition has worsened and critical parameters are now declining.”
He said that he had contacted the Chief Minister's office to arrange an air ambulance for the patient’s transfer to Chandigarh.
He said that GMC Rajouri held a meeting to discuss the detection of cadmium, a neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system, in one of the samples taken from patients. “An antidote will be prepared, and the affected patients will be treated accordingly,” he said
He said a team of experts sent by the Home Ministry to investigate the situation, despite collecting samples and holding a press conference and photo shoot, the samples were still in Rajouri and had not been airlifted for testing.
“This issue needs to be addressed with greater sensitivity,” he urged.
He also expressed frustrations over bureaucratic hurdles. He said he has been running from pillar to post to get things moving.
“I called MP Jitendra Singh and sent messages to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the Chief Minister for air ambulances to transfer patients from Jammu to PGI Chandigarh,’’ he said.”But this dual power system is putting lives at risk. The people must rise against it and demand an end to this system.”
He said that patients in GMC Jammu should have been referred to PGI Chandigarh, where advanced facilities are available and tests could have been conducted more quickly. “There should not have been any ego clashes in handling this matter,” he said.
Regarding the concerns about residents of Budhal being sent to quarantine centres and their fears of being unable to return quickly, Choudhary said these measures are in place for their welfare. “The civil administration is managing the situation well, and veterinary officials are ensuring the cattle are cared for,” he said.
He called for a health emergency to be declared in Budhal given the current situation. “Air ambulances must be made available immediately,’’ he said. “I want the people to know that the government is serious about managing this crisis.”
He also claimed some progress in the treatment process, saying that an antidote developed after detecting LD carp had worked on one patient, Ajaz, at PGI Chandigarh. “He is now stable and responding well to treatment,” he said.
He also highlighted the failure to airlift three girls to PGI Chandigarh the previous day. “The Air Force transported them to GMC Jammu, but they could not be taken to Chandigarh due to the dual power system and bureaucratic obstacles,” he said. “Bureaucracy, led by IAS officers, is behaving indifferently since the Chief Minister does not have complete authority in such matters.”
He urged the government to provide air ambulance services for patient transfers to Chandigarh. “I specifically request that Khalida, a critically ill patient, along with two other girls, be transferred to PGI Chandigarh as soon as possible,” he urged.
Choudhary expressed that political infighting and strained relations between the Centre and the state have hindered the effective management of the crisis. “The Chief Minister lacks complete powers, and bureaucrats are evading their responsibilities,” he said
