Kargil, Jan 14: Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra on Wednesday assured that vacant posts under the National Health Mission (NHM) would be re-advertised through newspapers in different regions, including the North-East, to address acute manpower shortages in healthcare facilities. He also said that reported medical lapses would be examined for appropriate resolution. The assurance was given during a public interaction and grievance redressal meeting held at Dak Bungalow, Drass.
The assurance came amid strong representations from residents and elected representatives of Drass Sub-Division, who flagged shortage of doctors, paramedics and specialists at the Sub-District Hospital. Demands were raised for upgradation of the facility to a District Hospital, posting of specialists including gynaecologist, anaesthetist and orthopaedist, and augmentation of nursing and paramedical staff. Issues related to delimitation, inclusion of Drass under the Vibrant Village Programme, strengthening of educational infrastructure, filling up of vacant posts in the Education Department and promotion of local sports and culture were also highlighted.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Secretary said education remains a priority for the UT Administration and that multiple avenues are being explored to make students of Ladakh skilled in diverse trades. On development, he assured that all demands placed during the interaction would be examined in detail for suitable redressal.
On reaching Drass earlier, Kundra was accorded a warm reception at the Dak Bungalow by Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Drass, Vishal Atri; LAHDC Councillors of Bhimbhat and Ranbirpora; representatives of social organisations and local residents. The Councillors expressed gratitude to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the announcement of five new districts and urged for early establishment of the administrative framework.
Highlighting tourism prospects, the Chief Secretary said Drass has considerable potential, but stressed the need to strengthen basic facilities. He said area-specific development projects would be formulated with focus on adventure, wildlife and border tourism, among other sectors.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Administrative Secretary, PHE, Rahul Sharma; Administrative Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Moses Kunzang; Managing Director, NHM, Tushar Anand; SSP Kargil, Nitin Yadav; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Imteeaz Kacho; Chief Engineers of PWD and PDD; Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Drass, and other district officers during the tour.
