STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Shiv Sena Hindustan (SSH) has expressed its resentment over Shrine Board’s proposal to launch speciality consultation and initial screening services of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital (SMVDNSH), a tertiary level healthcare service provider situated in Kakryal at Saraswati Dham near Railway Station.
SSH State President Rajesh Kesri, while addressing a press conference here on Thursday, said that though opening of OPD is welcome step but at 428 bedded accommodation Saraswati Dham is not a good idea as it was constructed in 2003 costing Rs 3 crore for the benefit of the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims by providing clean, well maintained and very economical accommodation.
He advised the Board instead of using Saraswati Dham, there is piece of land measuring 3 Kanals nearby the proposed OPD can be opened there in this way the Saraswati Dham will continue to serve economically weaker Section of Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims who manage cheap food and accommodation here. He further said that another piece of land where there is Chaitanaya Ashram having accommodation of 25 rooms and which is currently closed can be used for starting OPD there.
“Healthcare and its inaccessibility is a persistent concern in India. Being a tertiary care hospital, no doubt Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Hospital have created this clinic with all the modern infrastructure to add value to the overall patient care experience. The OPD clinic will help connect patients with specialist doctors from SMVD Narayana Hospital conveniently and efficiently. The facility will also provide free ambulance service to transfer patients from Jammu to the hospital located at Kakryal near Katra. Initiative is welcome and visionary but Shrine Board should once again review its decision as state govt is already running short of ideas to provide proper facilities to pilgrims and has consistently failed in developing proper infrastructure for pilgrims, idea to use Saraswati Dham which caters needs of Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims will definitely cut short facilities for poor pilgrims, added Kesri.
Others present in the press conference include Rajesh Handa, Sukhveer Singh and Raj Kumar.