Terming the foundation laying of three new medical colleges in the State as a historic moment, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today said the initiative would go a long way in augmenting and creating fresh avenues for medical education in J&K.“Given the acute dearth of medical professionals in the State, the establishment of new Medical Colleges will open up new avenues for J&K’s talented youth to pursue medical education,” PDP General Secretary Mohammad Sartaj Madni said in a statement issued to KNS.“While I felicitate the people of Anantnag, Baramulla and Rajouri on this great occasion as their respective areas mark a new beginning in healthcare sector, I would at the same time urge the State Government to pursue setting up of two more Medical Colleges at Doda and Kathua vigorously so that the people of these areas also get their share in the new era of development dawning on Jammu and Kashmir,” he said and added that the State Government should also speed up the process for establishment of AIIMS in the State.
He said establishment of such professional institutions in the countryside would set off new economic activity in these areas and also create fresh job avenues for the local youth.Mr Madni said after almost a complete freeze in developmental initiatives between 2009 and 2014, J&K has again started moving on the path of peace, progress and prosperity under the leadership of Ms Mehbooba Mufti. “With a new leadership in place, J&K has got a new voice and a new vision to move ahead on the path of development and prosperity,” he said and added that within a short span, several pioneering initiatives have been put in place by the present government to change the destiny of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.Seeking people’s cooperation in pulling J&K out of the morass and creating better avenues for its emancipated youth, Mr Madni said Ms Mehbooba Mufti is working decisively and determinedly for the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and “if she wins in her endeavor it will be the people’s win.”The PDP General Secretary also welcomed the Union Health Minister, Mr J P Nadda’s announcement regarding setting up of two Specialized Cancer Hospitals in J&K to cater to the increasing number of such patients in the State. He also called for setting up an exclusive Medical University in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)