At pre-Budget session, Congress attacks govt over health facilities

Bhartesh Singh Thakur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 18

Congress MLAs attacked the government over poor health facilities while JJP MLAs raised the issue of old-age pension and welfare of Scheduled Castes on the second day of pre-Budget consultations today.

“New medical colleges have been reduced to buildings because of lack of manpower and facilities. District hospitals should be strengthened. New posts of medical staff, including doctor, should be sanctioned and medical equipment provided,” said Congress MLA Geeta Bhukkal.

Congress MLA Kuldeep Vats raised the issue of AIIMS at Badhsa. “Only a cancer institute is being run there while we have been demanding 10 more new services at the institute. It needs to be connected by road and rail. Civil hospitals lack facilities and patients are usually referred elsewhere. Dispensaries need to have manpower.” he said.

Congress MLA Jagbir Malik claimed that 45 doctors had left the Khanpur Kalan medical college in the past and 23 others awaiting promotion could quit as well. He pointed out that there was no cardiologist, cancer specialist or neurosurgeon at the hospital. Congress MLA BB Batra questioned the government over lack of infrastructure. JJP MLA Ishwar Singh raised the issue of non-utilisation of grants for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. He stated that the Budget allocation for them should be at a par with their share in population. Health Minister Anil Vij said about 50 suggestions had been received during discussions on health and Ayush.

Gautam raises old-age pension issue

JJP MLA Ram Kumar Gautam raised the issue of old-age pension. “I told the Chief Minister that we had reached the Assembly after promising old-age pension of Rs 5,100. It should be enhanced by Rs 1,000 per year so that it reaches the promised figure in the next five years,” he said. He said he was dissatisfied with government functioning. “I have not replied to the show-cause notice issued by the party. It can take whatever action it desires,” he said. On the unedited clip wherein he allegedly mocked the Deputy Chief Minister, he said the JJP had already provided it and there was no need for him to do so.

Discussions futile at this point, says Hooda

“Since the economic survey has not been released, there cannot be any discussion on the Budget. You know the situation of health facilities in the state. The Budget has already been prepared so there is no purpose of these discussions,” said former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

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