Open Eye Banks in Jammu Kashmir

Jammu and geographic area is probably the sole state within the country with none bank with the result that the most important efforts at effectively endeavour membrane Opacity, sightlessness don't bear any result.
The twenty seventh National Eye Donation period is being determined from August twenty five to September eight, during this State as elsewhere across the country, creating a powerful plea for donating eyes for giving sight to the poverty-stricken persons. however since there's no bank either within the Government Medical schools at Srinagar or Jammu, therefore the voluntary supply of eyes realize no place wherever they will undertake this noble service of giving sight to the unseeing.

Any person intending to build declaration for donating his/her eyes when death for anybody cannot do thus because the eyes of individual have to be compelled to be taken out inside six to eight hours solely. And once there's no bank within the entire State however will such work be undertaken in Jammu and geographic area wherever demand is on higher facet.

It is a incontrovertible fact that the govt. Medical school, Jammu did have a bank practical providing appropriate facilities to the membrane Opacity (blind person) quite some years back. it should be recalled that some eyes were additionally transplanted at GMC, Jammu. however because of lack of enough legal framework and lack of some infrastructure back-up, this bank became dysfunctional. however the govt. took no steps some to re-start the attention Bank either at GMC, Jammu or Srinagar.

Public Demand
In view of the pressing public demand for putting in of Eye Banks in Jammu and geographic area State, as elsewhere within the country for providing facilities to the donors to present their eyes for giving 'light' to the unseeing. whereas Human Organs Transplantation Act was passed within the country envisaging transplantation of human organs, as well as eyes, in an exceedingly recognized and registered health center by competent eye specialists.

Since the authorities failed to enact such a legislation, Eye Banks couldn't be opened or created operational in Jammu and Kashmir---not even within the Government Medical schools of Jammu or Srinagar. thus a significant downside is facing the individuals.

Ram Dass Dubey, general secretary of the J&K branch of National Blind Federation powerfully pleaded for straightaway gap the attention Banks in Jammu and geographic area for endeavour the matter of the unseeing persons during this a part of the country. Abdul Rahim, sixty two years aged, lamented that he wished to present his eyes for the noble reason for the blind however he couldn't do thus in absence of a bank facility within the State. He demanded appropriate arrangements for donors to serve the society.
Make Facility accessible

Shakeela Bano, a house mate in her 40s in Srinagar, expressed her keen need to try and do some noble work by donating her eyes for the poverty-stricken blind persons . She aforementioned " even when my death, my eyes can still continue to exist and see the planet through someone's sight. i believe it'll be an excellent service to the humanity. If the enlightened persons present their eyes, they'll serve the humanity. Urging the govt. for upgrading facilities for the persons with vision impairment, Tarlok Singh, a faculty teacher from Jammu town, was additionally desperate to register for donation of his eyes within the reason for blind individuals. Shakti Gupta, a university student additionally created a case for immediate gap of Eye Banks in geographic area, Jammu and Ladakh.

There are, per official figures nearly one.2 hundred thousand persons with membrane Opacity within the country and quite an sizeable numbers ar in Jammu and geographic area also United Nations agency want immediate attention and Medicare.

While the Central and also the State Governments are creating cooperative endeavors at providing upgraded medical services however the shortage of bank facilities hamper the efforts of popularizing eye donation as a family tradition during this a part of this country. therefore the authorities should take up this matter on priority basis.

Missionary Work
First of all, the authorities should return up with an acceptable law governing the transplantation of eyes in an exceedingly registered health center by the highest medical specialist in Jammu and geographic area. Secondly, a choice to start out Eye Banks in GMC, Srinagar and Jammu, be taken and later take this facility to different vital places within the State.

Thirdly, the authorities ought to depute young and bright medical specialist and a few different employees for advanced course in bank management and operational aspects at some prime health center within the country. Fourthly, once the attention Banks ar in situ and become operational, the govt. should keep on a full of life eye donation campaign in Jammu and geographic area. varied public awareness programmes are often launched by all agencies - officers, non-public sector and NGOs for meeting the curse of membrane Opacity sightlessness during this State also.

The Chief Minister, Omar Abdulah and also the Minister for Medical Education, RS Chib ought to straightaway flip their "eye" towards the intense downside of endeavour membrane Opacity sightlessness by straightaway gap Eye Banks in Jammu and geographic area like different elements of the country.
In addition, full-scale efforts should be place in by the Central and State Governments to squarely face the challenge of sightlessness and different eye ailments to create the society healthy and happy.

VMS organizes medical camp

Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS) in collaboration with the Bandipora Youth Awami Mahaz today organized awareness cum medical camp in the North Kashmir district of Bandipora.

Around 1000 patients were attended by over one dozen doctors during which around one dozen imported wheel chairs were distributed among the disabled person and medicine worth thousands of rupees was distributed among the poor patients.

A spokesman of VMS said that doctors drawn from the different streams examined the patients. He said psychiatrists belonging to Department of Psychiatry and Neuro-Sciences, Government Medical College, Srinagar rendered their services during the camp.

"Renowned neurologist of SKIMS-Soura, Dr. Sheikh Saleem was also present during the medical camp and he too attended the patients. People suffering from various disabilities were provided wheel-chairs, hearing aids, tricycles and crèche during the camp. Medicines were also distributed among the patients," said the spokesman.

Additional District Development Commissioner, Bandipora, Ghulam Hassan Khan, SP Bandipora, Bashir Ahmad Khan and some other dignitaries were also present during the function. Renowned advocate Nazir Ahmad Malik was the chief guest on the occasion. The function was presided over by Dr. Mir Maqbool Ahmad, President VMS.

Jammu Kashmir Budget Today

Prakash Diwas of Guru Ravidas celebrated in Jammu

Protests in GB Pant hospital

Protests broke out in the G B Pant Children Hospital here in Sonwar area of Srinagar today as the authorities started charging for the routine investigations being carried out in the hospital for the patients.

The directive to charge the attendants for medical examination was greeted with resentment by the attendants and they raised hue and cry over this directive. The attendants raised slogans against the administration and demanded immediate roll back of the order.

Some of the attendants while sharing their views with JK News said that the order is totally uncalled for. They said the patients admitted in the Government hospitals are entitled to free investigations and routine tests. They said this directive is equivalent to grabbing their basic right that is right to life.

"My child is admitted here for the last 15 days. Up to today were not charged a single penny by the hospital authorities for various investigations, but today they changed the rules. I was asked to pay Rs 25 for a routine test like blood grouping. Charges have also been levied on all the other routine tests and investigations," said Fayaz Ahmad, an attendant.

As the attendants were asked to pay for the investigations by the authorities they were surprised as most of the patients are admitted there for past several days.

The attendants of the patients assembled in the hospital compound and lodged protests. They said since G. B Pant hospital is the lone hospital for the children in the Valley, the Government should immediately roll back the order.

"Children from different areas are admitted and as most of the attendants are poor the order to impose charges on tests is bound to create hardships for them. As such the hospital authorities more so the Government should cancel this order and give relief to the people," said the attendants.

There are reports that other hospitals have also started charging for various investigations of the patients that has led to resentment from the common people.

Meanwhile, Police today found unknown newborn baby near SMHS hospital here and shifted the baby to G B Pant Children Hospital.

A police spokesman said that one newborn male baby was found near the Blood Bank, SMHS hospital Srinagar. He said the baby was shifted to G. B Pant hospital for safe care and treatment.

Cycle expedition by 132 FAC Flt

Holla Mohalla festival celebrated

4200 intoxicant capsules seized in Doda

Police today arrested a narcotics smuggler and recovered 4200 intoxicant capsules and some bottles of syrup from his possession in Bhaderwah town of Doda district.

Police identified the narcotics smuggler as Amjad Latief son of Abdul Latief, a resident of Thara Mohalla, Bhaderwah.

SSP Doda Arif Reshu said police parties captured the narcotics smuggler at a naka laid outside the degree college road at 3 pm.

From the possession of narcotics smugglers, police recovered 20 boxes containing 4200 intoxicant capsules and four bottled of syrup.

He had smuggled the consignment from outside the State for selling it in Bhaderwah and other parts of Doda district, Mr Reshu said.

A case against the accused has been registered vide FIR No. 33/2012 under Sections 8/21/22 NDPS Act in Bhaderwah police station.

Additional SP Bhaderwah PR Bhagat and SDPO Bhaderwah Jameel Ahmed Choudhary led police parties, which made the arrest, under the supervision of Mr Reshu.

Launch metro service in Jammu Harshdev

IGNOU organises Coordinators meet

3 docs arrested for negligent death

Expired drugs seized from hospital

Police last night raided Government hospital Anantnag and recovered expired drugs that were being distributed to the patients while three doctors were arrested for death of a woman in a Nursing Home in the town for alleged medical negligence. 

According to reports, Anatnang police last night raided Mirza Afzal Beg Memorial Hospital in Anantnag after attendants of a patient, who was admitted in the hospital lodged a complaint with the police about supply of expired drugs. 

The patient's attendants were provided with the expired medicine at the hospital for the patient. Police raided the hospital and recovered expired medicine, which were being provided to the patients in the hospital.

One of the Pharmacists of the hospital, Nazir Ahmad was arrested by the police and investigations are going on. Residents alleged that the higher ups of the Health department were hand in glove with the district hospital authorities and said that such complaints were frequent in the hospital and health authorities gave a deaf ear to them.

In the meantime, the Member Parliament, Mehboob Beg, today visited the hospital and expressed his concern over the supply of expired medicine to the patients. He said that this is not the first time that patients have complained about the supply of expired drugs to them. Beg asked the Health department to investigate matter. 

Meanwhile police arrested three doctors for the death of a woman in SKJ Nursing Home at K P road in Anantnag. 

Shahzada , 35, wife of Fayaz Ahmad Shah resident of Brad Ashmuqam was admitted to the hospital yesterday and died due to alleged negligence of doctors. A case has been registered in this regard in Police Station Mattan. 

Three doctors Dr Muzaffar Kocahak, Dr Farooq and Dr Mushtaq were detained by police for alleged medical negligence.

Curfew continues for 3rd day in Rajouri

Farooq rules out mid term polls

Directors turn dictators in Health

 With the junior Deputy Medical Superintendents and Assistant Directors functioning as Heads in different departments in Health sector in the last three years, officials enjoying patronage of political high ups have shown regard neither for the people nor for the law. While as Director of Health Services Kashmir (DHK),Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman, has shown the temerity of not relieving 24 doctors despite clear-cut orders from J&K High Court, Director of Health Services Jammu (DHJ) Dr Madhu Khullar has been audacious enough to suspend a petitioner doctor immediately after her attendance in a writ petition in Jammu wing of J&K High Court. Posted as an assistant surgeon at Sub District Hospital Nowshera, Dr Syed Majid Malik of Darhal was among scores of doctors who wanted to apply for the deputation tenure of Registrar at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu earlier this year. All the in-service candidates were supposed to submit their applications to Chairman of Selection Committee of Registrars and Demonstrators (Principal GMC) through proper channel. Much like in Kashmir, where Director Health has relieved only blue-eyed boys and has not permitted the selected candidates to join at SKIMS as Senior Residents and Registrars, DHJ has made it a point to prevent the assistant surgeons from going to GMC Jammu as Registrars and Demonstrators. 

As reported in detail in yesterday issue of this newspaper, DHK Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman has not relieved the selected candidates, 24 in number, despite clear-cut orders from the bench of Mr Justice Hasnain Masoodi. Across the Pir Panjal, his counterpart has stopped the candidates from going to GMC. Even as a number of the candidates have been harassed by different means and advised against applying for the posts, Dr Majid submitted his application through proper channel. After clearance at the levels of Superintendent/ Chief Medical Officer and necessary recommendations from DHJ, Commissioner-Secretary Health and Medical Education would normally forward the aspirants' application to Principal GMC.

As DHJ and her subordinate officials refused to forward Dr Malik's application, he filed a writ petition in J&K High Court, seeking orders in favour of his application's onward passage to Principal GMC. After hearing, Mr Justice JP Singh passed interim orders, asking DHJ to forward the petitioner's application to Chairman of Selection Committee at GMC. Under rules, Medical Education Department draws Registrars on deputation from Health Department. A tenure of deputation makes the incumbents eligible for becoming Lecturers or Assistant Professors at GMC Jammu, GMC Srinagar, others medical colleges besides SKIMS Soura. 

Despite Mr Justice JP Singh's orders, DHJ communicated to the petitioner that she would not forward his application in any circumstances to Principal GMC. Pushed to the wall, the petitioner doctors filed a contempt application in the court against the respondents. Court took a serious notice of DHJ's contemptuous behaviour and ordered her personal presence on March 16th. As directed, DHJ appeared in person. Petitioner Dr Majid Malik was also present in the court.

However, immediately after reaching back to her officer, Dr Madhu Khullar ordered suspension of Dr Majid Malik for his "unauthorized absence" from his office. According to insiders, BMO Nowshera and CMO Rajouri, under advice from the top, reported that Dr Majid Malik was "absent" and his "absence" had accentuated the law and order situation in then communally surcharged area. Dr Majid Malik is now pursuing his case, as well as the contempt application, more strenuously but DHJ's harsh action against the petitioner has come as a shock to hundreds of medical professionals. "We had never imagined that Director would suspend a petitioner doctor whose charges of contempt she was facing in High Court", observed a senior physician. 

Heads of Departments in Health sector have not only risen to the top positions despite being Assistant Directors and equivalent. They have been also audaciously showering undue favours to junior subordinate officials without regard for rules or norms. Quite a number of this lot have been posted on prize positions. The beneficiaries include a prominent mainstream politician's son-in-law, who has been favoured in the thick of this year's Budget session of Legislature, as also a senior separatist leader's wife, who has been posted as Block Medical Officer of Kreeri, Baramulla, with open contempt to seniority. DHK and the favoured woman have been classmates in addition to hailing from the same locality in Doda district.

Phenomenal favouritism, nepotism and corruption in different wings of Health Department, coupled by an infamous rift between two Ministers, has led to anarchical situation in the last three years. Those suffering from heartburn and victimhood are approaching courts and litigation has reached an all-time high. Encouraged by Dr Majid Malik's resistance, scores of doctors, being deprived from taking deputation tenures in Medical Education sector, have also filed writ petitions in J&K High Court. 

Brahman Sabha performs Yagnopavit ceremony of 100 children

World Health Day observed across State

World Health Day was observed across the State today.

World Health Day was celebrated at Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Sidhra. On the occasion, seminar, skit and poster making competitions were organised. Dr SL Verma, Founding Principal of ASCOMS was the chief guest while Dr A Kumar, Director Principal and Dr VK Gandotra, Prof and Advisor Academics were also present. 

During the seminar, speakers from different specialities spoke on different aspects. In poster making competition, group headed by Nitika and Oshin were adjudged first while group headed by Poonam and Sakshi were conferred second ranking. Group headed by Shilpa and Harpreet bagged third ranking.

Regional Red Cross Society and Hrideya Deep Ashram, organised a free medial camp at Lower Ratnu Chak to mark the World Health Day. The camp was inaugurated by Anil K Padha, secretary, Regional Red Cross Society and was presided over by Swami Hridaya Nand Giri. During the camp, over 460 patients were examined and free medicines jointly contributed by BEE ENN Charitable Trust and Hridaya Deep Ashram were distributed.

World Health Day was observed at Government Middle School, Phinter, Billawar, where students from various schools participated. A seminar on "Health for All" was organised where number of speakers threw light on the importance of the topic. A rally was also organised on the occasion. 

Guru Nanak College of Education, Jallochak, celebrated World Health Day by organizing the visit of its students to Saint Edward Public School, Sarore, thereby spreading the message of healthy mind and body in today’s stressful living environment. On the occasion, students performed various health education informative programmes elaborating the noble cause of blood donation. Sunita Jamwal, Principal of the college was the chief guest while the whole programme was organised by Anita Gupta.

On the eve of World Health Day, a seminar on the theme "Save the Girl Child" was organised by Red Cross and Education Department at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kathua, in which students from various schools participated. On the occasion, Zahida Parveen Khan, District Development Commissioner, Kathua was the chief guest, who while speaking appealed the people to cooperate in eradicating this social evil, which is posing serious threat to the sex ratio. Officers from civil administration were also present on the occasion.

Health Department Ramban in collaboration with Ramban Police organised rallies to mark World Health Day, in which hundreds of students participated.

Eco Sanitation Welfare Council in collaboration with Guru Harkrishan Public School, organised a seminar on "Eco Sanitation--A way to Healthy life" and an awareness rally, to celebrated World Health Day. On the occasion, Commissioner, JMC, KL Khajuira, was the chief guest while Balbir Singh, Principal of the school and galaxy of senior citizens were also present.

Yogathon, unique nation wide initiative by the Art of Living was performed at GGM Science College, KC Public School, NITS Polytechnic, Miran Sahib, Heritage School, MHAC Nagbani, Vaishno Devi College of Education besides Kot Bhalwal and Amphalla jails to commemorate World Health Day. Hundreds of people participated.

An awareness rally "To Save Girl Child" was organised at Government Higher Secondary School, Nagri Parole to celebrate World Health Day. The rally commenced from the school premises and passed through various streets, in which staff members and girls students participated.

IPS Kidzee, Kathua organised a Medical Check up camp to celebrate World Health Day, in which Dr Mohinder Lal, Dr Reva, Dr Raj Kumar, Dr Vikas Pandu, Dr Dimple and Dr Ravinder, examined the children.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asgar Hassan participated in a "Walk for Good Health" organised by World Health Organization in association with Valley Citizen Council from Nehru Park, today to commemorate World Health Day. People from all walks of society including officials from civil administration also took part in the rally.

Kerosene Firewood burning in Kashmir poses more health problems

Dr Raina attends national seminar on blood advancements

Dr TR Raina, Programme Manager, Blood Transfusion and Laboratory Services, J&K and Secretary General of Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohamatology (ISBTI) attended one day national seminar on `Advancements in Immunohamatology-Indian Perspective'' at Apollo Hospital, Health New Delhi.

Dr Raina was one the panelists for the seminar.

Deliberating on the steps being taken to strengthen the blood transfusion services in J&K by the Government, Dr Raina said that action plan for the year 2012-13 has been prepared to set up three Component Separation Laboratories-one each at Jammu, Srinagar and Leh, nine new blood banks and 26 blood storage centres at first referral units in the State.

He told the audience that a national seminar on `Voluntary Blood Donation-A Need of the Hour' shall be organized at Srinagar on April 30, 2012, which will be attended by experts in the field of transfusion medicine from across the country. He said J&K has achieves the target of voluntary blood donation, which was more than 80 per cent.

Aggarwals health center raided

Transfer of Associate Professors

Government today ordered transfer and posting of hundred Assistant Professors of Government Colleges with immediate effect.

Hina Amin has been transferred from GDC Khansahab and posted to GDC, Baghi Dilawar Khan, Shabeena Kurtey has been transferred from WC, MA Road, Srinagar to GDC Khansahab vice Hina Amin, Nadia Shah has been transferred from WC Pulwama and posted to SP College Srinagar vice Khurshid A Naqshi, who was transferred to WC Pulwama.

Salma Ahad has been transferred from GDC, Budgam and posted to WC Nawakadal Srinagar against an available post, Wajahat Amin has been transferred from GDC Poonch and posted to GDC Magma, Shah Jehan Ganai was transferred from GDC Ramban and posted to GDC Gool, Gazala Gayas has been transferred from GDC Pattan to AS College, Srinagar, HU Sofi has been transferred from GDC Budgam and posted to GDC Kangan, Akhter Hussain has been transferred from AS College, Srinagar and posted to GDC Budgam vice HU Sofi.

Sameer Ahmed Gupkari has been transferred from GDC Anantnag and posted to GDC Bemina vice Ashiq Hussain, Ashiq Hussain has been transferred from GDC, Bemina and posted to GDC, Pattan, Naseer Geelani has been transferred from GDC Baramulla and posted to WC Kupwara.

Tariq Ahmed Shikara has been transferred from GDC Bandipora and posted to SP College, Srinagar vice SA Zargar, who was transferred to GDC Ganderbal, Mujeeb Kawoosa has been transferred from GDC Ganderbal and posted to AS College, Srinagar vice Akhter Hussain.

Ashok Kumar was transferred from GGM Science College and posted to WC Udhampur against the available post, Neelam Jan, has been posted from GDC Pattan and posted to GDC Baghi Dilawar Khan, Mehbooba Bano was transferred from GDC Ahantnag and posted to GDC Pampore, Mohd Ibrahim was transferred from GDC Sogam and posted to WC Baramulla vice Ghulam Nabi Lone, who was transferred to GDC, Sogam.

Ghulam Nabi Bhat has been transferred from GDC Bemina and posted to GDC Pampore, Syed Mohd Raza has been transferred from AS College, Srinagar and posted to GDC Magma, Bashir Ahmed Dar was transferred from GDC Bemina and posted to GDC Chrarisharief, Ghulam Mustafa Shah was transferred from GDC Pattan and posted to GDC Tangmarg.

Mohd Shafi Malik has been transferred from GDC Anantnag and posted to GDC, Vailoo Narnoo, Munir Ahmed Mir has been transferred from WC, MA Road Srinagar and posted to GDC Anantnag vice Mohd Shafi Malik.

Mohd Ashraf Wagi has been transferred from GDC Budgam and posted to GDC, DH Pora, Shabnam Ara has been transferred from WC, Nawakadal and posted to WC, Baramulla, Deep Kumar Magotra was transferred from GDC Basohli to COE, Jammu vice Shamim Ahmed Hakim, who was transferred to GDC Kulgam.

Sri Kant was transferred from GDC, Ramnagar and posted to GDC Doda vice Javaid Iqbal Tramboo, who has been transferred to GDC Thathri, Brinder Singh was transferred from GDC Ramban and posted to GDC Ramnagar vice Sri Kant.

GS Rakwal was transferred from GDC Reasi and posted to GDC, RS Pura vice Reena Rani, who has been posted to MAM College vice Rajinder Verma. Rajinder Verma has been transferred from MAM college and posted to GDC Reasi vice GS Rakwal.

Mushtaq Ahmed Lone was transferred from GDC, Budgam and posted to AS College, Srinagar vice Tahzeen Buch, who was transferred to GDC, Budgam, Seema Sudan has been transferred from WC, Udhampur and posted to GDC, Paloura vice Parveen Kumari, who has been posted to WC, Udhampur.

Sarita Khajuria has been transferred from WC Kathua and posted to WC Parade vice Sarmishtra Sharma, who has been transferred to WC Kathua, Rajni has been transferred from GDC Akhnoor and posted to MAM College vice Ranjodh Singh.

Ranjodh Singh was transferred from MAM college and posted to GDC Udhampur vice Romika Bhasin, who has been transferred to WC Parade vice Anjeela Qureshi, Anjeela Qureshi has been transferred from WC Parade and posted to GDC, Akhnoor vice Rajni.

Fahmida Wani was transferred from WC, MA Road, Srinagar and posted to GDC, Tral, vice Javaid-ul-Azir, who has been transferred to WC, Anantnag vice Gousia. Gousia was transferred to WC, MA Road, Srinagar vice Fahmida Wani.

Abdul Wahid, was transferred from GDC Baramulla and posted to COE, Srinagar vice Lakhvinder Singh Sodi, who was transferred to GDC, Baramulla, Stenzin Yangdol was transferred from GDC, Kargil and posted to GDC, Nobra, Shahid-e-Murtaza was transferred from GDC, Anantnag and posted to GDC, Pulwama vice Razia Bashir who was transferred to AS College, Srinagar.

Syed Aijaz Farid was transferred from AS College, Srinagar and posted to GDC, Anatnag vice Shahid-e-Murtaza, Khurshid Anwar was transferred from GDC, Boys, Anantnag to GDC, Pulwama against an available post, Suram Chand was transferred from GDC, Bhaderwah and posted to GDC, Udhampur against an available post.

Munir Ahmed Khan was transferred from WC, Sopore and posted to GDC, Uri, Javaid Iqbal Wagay was transferred from GDC, Handwara and posted to GDC, Pattan, Mohd Sultan Sheikh was transferred from GDC, Anantnag and was posted to GDC Tral.

Siraj Yousuf Parray was transferred from GDC, Shopian and posted to WC, Anatnag vice Nasir Ahmed Dar, who was posted to GDC, Shopian, Afroza Akhter was transferred from GDC, Boys, Anantnag and posted to SP College, Srinagar vice Nuzhat Jan, who was posted to GDC, Anantnag.

Shabana Gulzar was posted from GDC, Boys, Anantnag and posted to WC, MA Road, Srinagar against an available post, Sabzar Ahmed sheikh was transferred from GDC, Dooru and posted to GDC, Anantnag, vice Ghulam Hassan Bhat, who has been transferred to GDC, Dooru.

Tariq Ahmed Wani was posted from WC, Baramulla and posted to GDC, Sopore vice Zahid Hussain Wagay, who was transferred to WC, Baramulla, Abdul Rashid Malik was transferred from GDC, Kupwara and posted to GDC, Baramulla vice Hilal Ahmed Lone, who was transferred to AS College, Srinagar.

Nadeem Bashir was transferred from GDC, Sopore and posted to GDC, Uri, Nazir Ahmed Khan was transferred from AS College and posted to GDC, Pattan, Fayaz Ahmed Bhat, was transferred from GDC, Anantnag and posted to GDC, Tral.

Tarseem Lal was transferred from GDC, Bhaderwah and posted to GDC, Akhnoor vice Sapna Sharma, Sapna Sharma was transferred from GDC, Akhnoor and posted to WC Parade vice Raj Kumar Gupta, who has been transferred to GDC, Bhaderwah, Satish Kumar was transferred from GDC, Leh and posted to GDC, Udhampur against an available post.

Roohi Jan was transferred from GDC, Beerwah and posted to GDC, Bemina vice Bilal Ahmed Dar, who was transferred to GDC, Beerwah, Imtiyaz Ahmed Raja, was transferred from GDC, Anantnag and was posted to SP College vice Ghulam Mohd Jan, who has been transferred to GDC, Anantnag.

Nighat Shafi was transferred from GDC, Sopore and posted to AS College, Srinagar vice Sabreena Syed, who has been transferred to GDC, Sopore, Prince Firdous Iqbal was transferred from WC, Anantnag and posted to GDC, Pulwama vice Syed Shafi Ahmed, who was transferred to WC, Anantnag.

Mohd Yaqoob Khan was transferred from GDC, Anantnag and was posted to SP College, Srinagar vice Fayaz Ahmed Sheikh, who has been transferred to WC, Anantnag, Abdul Rashid Wani was transferred from GDC, Kulgam and posted to GDC, Dooru, Mir Shabir Ahmed was transferred from GDC, Anantnag and posted to GDC, Kulgam in place of Abdul Rashid Wani.

Ashiq Hussain was transferred from GDC, Ramban and posted to GDC, Bhaderwah, Rakhmat Shah was posted from WC, Baramulla and posted to GDC, Uri, Naseer Farhan was transferred from SP College, Srinagar and posted to GDC, Pattan.

Ghulam Nabi Hajam was transferred from WC, Anatnag and was posted to GDC, Tral, Tsewang Motup, was transferred from GDC Kargil and posted to GDC leh vice Disksit Namgyal, who was transferred to GDC, Kargil, Rubaya Rashid was transferred from GDC, Sopore and posted to WC, Nawakadal vice Girja Suri, who was transferred to GDC, Udhampur.

Mohd Afzal Ahangar was transferred from GDC, Budgam and posted to SP College, Srinagar vice Musharaf Rehman, who was transferred to GDC, Budgam, Deen Mohd Bhat was transferred from GDC, Pulwama and posted to WC, MA Road, Srinagar, vice Irfan Jamila, who was transferred to GDC, Pulwama,

Khurishid Ahmed Wagay, was transferred from WC, Baramulla and posted to WC, MA Road, Srinagar vice Anis Ramzan, who was transferred to WC, Baramulla, Parvaiz Ahmed Dar was transferred from GDC, Anantnag and posted to GDC, Tral, Tariq Ahmed Chalkoo, was transferred from WC, Baramulla and posted to GDC, Uri, Syed Showkat Rasool was transferred from Islamia College, Srinagar and posted to GDC, Pattan.

Bharat Bhushan Bhat was transferred from SP College, Srinagar and posted to GGM Science College vice Neeraj Gupta, who was transferred to SP College, Srinagar, Chaman Lal was transferred from GDC, Kargil and was posted to GDC Kathua vice Balraj Kumar.

Balraj Kumar was posted from GDC, Kathua and posted to WC, Gandhi Nagar vice Sunil Dutt, who was transferred to GDC, Kathua, Rakesh Kumar Koul was transferred from GDC, Boys Anantnag and was posted to GGM Science College, Ravi Kant was transferred from GDC, Anantnag and posted to GGM Science College vice Sanjeev Goswami.

Sanjeev Goswami was transferred from GGM Science College and posted to GDC, Samba vice Karan Singh, who was shifted to GGM Science College and will draw the salary against the vacant post of Geography.

Attar Singh Kotwal was transferred from GDC, Doda and posted to GDC, Samba, Nisar Ahmed Keen was transferred from GDC, Doda and posted to GDC, Kishtwar vice Surinder Kumar Sen, who was posted to GDC, Doda.

Sheikh Abid Hussain was transferred from GDC, Baramulla, and was posted to AS College, Srinagar vice Jan Shabir Ahmed, who was transferred to GDC, Baramulla, Shakeel Ahmed Khanday was transferred from GDC, Dooru and posted to GDC, Anantnag vice Farooq Hussain Bhat, who was transferred to GDC, Dooru.

Farooq Ahmed Andrabi was transferred from GDC, Anantnag and was posted to WC, Baramulla vice Tariq Ahmed Chalkoo, Arfat Firdous was transferred from GDC, Handwara and posted to Islamia College, Srinagar vice Syed Showkat Rasool.

Amarnath yatra 2011 arrangements

Jammu boys shine in IAS

Water Shortage in Katra

Separate Nursing Council for jammu kashmir

J&K to have separate Nursing Council as 

Assembly passes Bill

 The State Assembly today passed with a voice vote the Bill to provide for Constitution of a Nursing Registration Council and to regulate the qualification as also provide for registration and better training of nurses, midwives and health visitors in the state.

Maintaining that the Act was needed in the state, Minister of Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports, R S Chib said after 50 years the state has brought a law and it will prove beneficial. He said members also showed interest in the Bill and they gave their amendments.

He said the Nursing Council will be headed by the Principal of Medical College Srinagar and Principal of Medical College Jammu on rotation basis and the Council will be framed on the pattern of Indian Nursing Council. It will have 23 members, he added

Later the House passed the Bill with voice vote.

The House passed the Bill to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure, Samvat 1989. Though Nizam-ud-Din Bhat and Rafiq Ahmed Mir of PDP pressed their amendments to the Bill but it was defeated by the voice vote while other members withdrew their amendments. Earlier Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammed Sagar appealed the members to withdraw their amendments.

The House amended the J&K General Sales Tax Act, 1962 through a voice vote as all members were unanimous for the same.

The House also passed the Bill to establish a framework for the regulation of residential and commercial tenancy matters and to balance the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants and to provide for fast, adjudication process for resolution of disputes and for matters connected therewith or incidental disputes and for matters connected therewith or incidental there to.

Defending the Bill Minister of Revenue Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla said the Bill will help in solving the dispute between landlord and tenant. A tenant has to pay three months rent in advance as security, and the rent, will be fixed by Rent Controller nominated by the Government, he added.

The other Bills passed by the House included Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Non Bio Degradable Material (Management Handling and Disposal), bill to provide for facilitation of inclusive growth and slum free cities, lay down general principles applicable to slum free cities in all spheres of Government and according property rights to slum dwellers and to provide for matters connected therewith, Billl to amend the J&K Municipal Act, 2000 and the J&K Municipal Corporation Act 2000 and bill to amend the J&K Development Act 1970.

Heavy rush to Vaishno Devi

women empowerment

BSNL reduces broadband tariff

SKIMS finest medical institute of State

Minister for Medical Education, R. S. Chib today said that Government has taken several key initiatives to expand medicare facilities across the State to cater to the present day needs in the health care system.

Mr. Chib was replying to the discussion initiated by Bashir Ahmad Veeri regarding restoration of glory and prestige of SKIMS Soura in Legislative Council today. He said that the dream of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was fulfilled with the establishment of SKIMS and within short span of time the institute was successful in building the reputation as the finest in the country.

Mr. Chib Said that with the onset of militancy as many as 247 staff members including senior Doctors, paramedical and other technical staff migrated from the institute thereby adversely affects its smooth functioning. He said that since 1988 several steps were taken to restore the glory of the institute. He informed the House that the institute which has a governing body headed by the Chief Minister, made necessary arrangements to fill up the vacancies created and several new departments were also created during the period.

The Minister said that SKIMS being a deemed University also run various courses in different disciplines and conduct training programme for doctors, nurses and other support staff. Similarly, seminars and workshops are being regularly held in the institute where in senior reputed doctors and researchers participate and share their experience.

He informed that as many as 5.5 lakh patients visited the OPD and 60,000 patients were admitted to KIMS for treatment during last year. He said that institute has the latest machinery and facilities available for diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Devotees at Chountra shrine

Release of GDC publication

Panun Kashmir on Amarnath Yatra

Up Gradation of Health Institutions

Creation, up-gradation of health institutions House Panel detects influence of Ministries, neglect of DDB decisions

 Establishing the allegations of irregularities and violation of prescribed norms by the Health Department in the process of creation/ up-gradation of various health institutions in the State, House Committee of Legislative Assembly has detected influence of certain Ministries in the departmental proposals for creation and up-gradation of various health institutions in one or the other way and neglect of the District Development Board decisions.

The House Panel headed by ruling National Conference MLA, Dr Mustafa Kamal, in its report tabled in the Legislative Assembly today, has observed that certain areas were ignored altogether whereas some specific areas were blessed with extra-ordinary treatment during the period between April 1, 2002 to March 31, 2011.

Expressing concern over altogether neglect of uncovered areas, the report said, "the creation/ upgradations were made in specific constituencies in violation of prescribed norms and at the cost of other constituencies particularly those falling in far flung and remote areas of the State such as Ramban, Kishtwar, Doda, Poonch and Rajouri where not even a single such institution was created/ upgraded during the period".

"The National Population Norms prescribed and adopted with a slight variation for creation/ establishment of various health institutions in the State, are irrelevant and irrational in view of the fact that the topography of State is very difficult and there are large number of areas which are far flung and remain cut off during winters", the report said.

"The re-establishment of six Primary Health Centres in Charar-i-Sharief Constituency (sanctioned vide Govt Order No.833-HME of 2002 but subsequently closed in 2004 vide Govt Order No.134-HME of 2004) and creation of posts for making these PHCs functional in 2010 is not understandable", the report said while terming the concern shown by the Members of the Legislative Assembly on the floor of the House in this regard as justified.

Stating that Department should have re-assessed the situation keeping in view the population coverage of the existing PHCs in the area before proposing the revival of closed PHCs/ up-gradation of two new Sub Centers by way of creation of posts in 2010, the report said, "though the departmental proposals should be based only on the District Development Board decisions, which are taken on the proposals of the public representatives, yet no such decision was referred to by the Department in this case".

The House Committee has also witnessed instances of same nature in respect of other constituencies including Akhnoor, Chhamb, Khan Sahib etc during the period between 2002 to 2011. "The influence of certain Ministries in the departmental proposals for creation and up-gradation of various health institutions is clearly reflected in one or the other way in the information furnished by the department on the subject during the entire period of reference (2002 to 2011)", the report said, adding "the establishment/ up-gradation of various health institutions by way of creation of posts and provision of additional staff by virtue of Government Order No.235-HME of 2010 speaks a lot on such influence".

"Since the adopted procedure weakens the system itself and the spirit of good governance is adversely affected by such tendencies, the circumstances warrant immediate closure of all such health institutions in various constituencies of the State but keeping in view the inconvenience likely to be caused to the inhabitants of the areas concerned, it would be wise to take immediate steps for creation/ up-gradation of required number of health institutions particularly the PHCs/CHCs and Sub-District Hospitals in the left over constituencies as per the existing norms and deficiencies on top priority basis during the next financial year itself", the report said.

"The closure of 35 sub-centres opened on internal arrangement basis in district Rajouri out of 77 such institutions in Jammu division reportedly due to paucity of staff since 2009 is yet another matter of concern", the Committee observed and recommended re-opening of all these Sub-Centers in Rajouri district with immediate effect.

Highlighting the importance of health and family welfare institutions, the Committee has observed that Government must ensure the availability of requisite infrastructure and manpower in all the health institutions to achieve the very basic objective of providing better healthcare to every soul in the State without any political reservations. "The political affiliation of the public representatives must not deprive the inhabitants of their fundamental rights in any case", report said.

Recommending immediate steps to restore 134 left over posts kept in abeyance during 2004 for strengthening the concerned health institutions for which the posts were created in 2002, the report said, "there is no justification for keeping them in abeyance any more when certain number of such posts relating to the health institutions in certain areas have already been restored".

"For future expansion and proper health planning, it is imperative on the part of concerned authorities to carefully identify the locations where the new health facilities are required to be established on rational criteria", the report said, adding "concrete steps are required to be taken to fill up the vacancies in all the health institutions of the State in order to make them fully functional thereby providing adequate medicare facilities to the general public".

The Committee has suggested that allocation of funds for creation of requisite infrastructure in health sector should be made rational and absolute transparency must be ensured in distribution of same amongst the districts/ constituencies under all heads.

It is pertinent to mention here that House Committee was constituted following the discussion on a supplementary question raised by PDP MLA, Choudhry Zulfikar Ali during last Budget Session wherein serious concern was expressed by the House over irregularities and violation of prescribed norms by the Health Department in the process of creation/ up-gradation of various health institutions in the State.

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Amendments in State Vigilance

Health Insurance for Poor fails to take off

 The Central Government's flagship programme of providing health insurance cover to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in Srinagar district has failed to take off due to lack of will by the its nodal agency, the State's Health Department.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government had announced a health insurance cover for 66,000 families in the two districts of state, Jammu and Srinagar, who fall in the category of Below Poverty Line (BPL).

The scheme known as Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), provides Rs 30, 000 to the families, after they pay a nominal registration fee of Rs 30.

The beneficiaries under RSBY scheme are entitled to cashless hospitalization coverage for most of the diseases through the network of identified hospitals up to expenditure of Rs 30,000 per family per annum.

12th Class Pvt Bi Annual 2011Result

Bollywood Promoting Kashmir Tourism

Fresh snowfall in upper reaches

The scheme is for those people who are under BPL and can't afford medical aid. It covers five members of a family which include the head of the house, spouse and up to three dependents.

The Central and State Governments are paying the premium to the healthcare providers (insurance companies) being selected by the State Government. The contract has been given to United Insurance and they have to install machines at selected hospitals where the BPL families will get cash less hospitalization through Insurance Company.

The Central Government is providing 90 percent contribution for the scheme while state has to pay only 10 percent.

The selection of the two districts in the state was part of pilot project and later it was scheduled to be implemented in other parts of the state within a year. But not a single smart card has been issued to the BPL families in Srinagar district.

The scheme was started 7 years ago in other states of the country but Jammu and Kashmir was left out. One of the reasons is that it comes under the mandate of the Labour and Employment Department and other is that there was no BPL data with the Government.

And now when the two issues were resolved lack of will on part of the Health Department is affecting the implementation of the project in Srinagar and rest of the state.

Free RCH camp organised

District Health Society Samba today organised RCH camp at Primary Health Centre, Sanoora, under the guidance of Chief Medical Officer, Samba, Dr Sunil Kaila and BMO Samba, Dr Vikas Bhardwaj.

Around 670 patients were examined by a team of doctors comprising Dr Vikas Sharma, Dr Naresh Gupta, Dr Vikas, Dr Arti, Dr Monika, Dr Amit Bajaj and Dr Ritika.

The patients were also provided with free medicines.

Meanwhile, the Society also organised a mega laproligation camp at SDH Samba in which 54 patients were operated upon out of which 38 were contributed by block Samba while 16 by Ramgarh and Purmandal.

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Kuggi Maar Duaari now at KC cineplex

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Army organizes medical camp

In continuation with the ongoing development activities under the aegis of Gurj Division, 168 Infantry Brigade constructed the community hall and organised a much needed medical camp for the populace at village Badheri.

Major General G Sankaranarayanan, General Officer Commanding, Gurj Division, presided over the function.

Yashpaul Kundal, MLA Samba and Mubarak Singh, District Development Commissioner Samba also attended the function.

General Officer dedicated both the facilities during the inauguration ceremony to the population and the ex-servicemen of district Samba.

During the camp, the basic health facilities, physical check up, specialist facilities of Gynaecology, Eye, Orthopedic Surgeon, Medicine and ENT were provided to over 1200 patients hailing from areas in the hinterland.

Brigadier Santosh Kurup, Commander 168 Infantry Brigade, while addressing expressed his gratitude to the populace and District administration for their continued support in organizing successful Operation Sadbhavana activities.

Snow paralyses normal life in Valley

Photography workshop at Jammu University 

Fresh snowfall lashes hilly areas

Workshop on stress management held

A one day workshop on time and stress management was organized by Entrepreneurship Development Institute in collaboration with PHD chamber under PHD-KAS at its Campus here today.

A spokesperson of the EDI said that during the workshop emphasis was laid on different factors leading to stress, concept and relevance of time, traditional time management, 4th generation of time management, time index, time profile, understanding stress and its consequences and managing stress to live better.

C.M Krishna, Programme Director, PHD-KAS Project in his concluding remarks said, that managing stress is all about taking charge, taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. He said the ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation and fun, plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. M.I. Parray, Director EDI said, "time management is no longer simply a way to gain competitive advantage, it is now an essential survival tool for the 21st century."

Jammu observes total shutdown on Fdi

Environment Park at Janipur 

Extreme cold conditions in Valley

91110 stray dogs in Srinagar

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Nasir Aslam Wani in reply to clubbed question of Dharam Bir Singh Oberoi and Mohammad Ashraf Mir informed the House to control the increasing population of stray dogs in Srinagar a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the Corporation with Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and Dean,F.V.Sc&A.H.(SKUAST-K).

He said the Memorandum of understanding is signed for Humane stray dog population Management, through Animal Birth Control (ABC) and their Anti-Rabies immunization within Municipal limits of Srinagar.

He said that the corporation has decided to execute a pilot project of dog sterilization/ immunization as an immediate measure to control the increasing dog menace in the city. In this connection he said a proposal for setting up of Animal Birth Control Center at Shuhama which envisages construction of concrete walling with chain link fencing around 17.5 Kanals of land, setting up of 50 Kennels and operation theater with allied facilities costing ` 103.90 lakh has been formulated. In addition to this, he said construction work has already been taken in hand for construction of 25 Kennels , fencing around the land has been completed. He said as soon as the construction work of Kennels is completed, the immunization and sterilization programme of stray dogs will be started.

Mr. Nasir said that the total number of stray dogs estimated as per census is 91110. He said the guidelines World Society for formulated the protection of Animals have been followed during the conduct of stray dogs census keeping local geo-climatic condition in view. This method has been endorsed by Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and shown in its standard operating producers ( SOP), he added.

Corruption Nepotism in Health Deptt

Excelsior today submitted a comprehensive reply to Motion of the breach of privilege moved by Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma dismissing all charges leveled by him saying it was duty of the fourth pillar of the democracy, called media, to highlight plight of the citizens of the State, who had been dying due to bad treatment, inferior quality of medicines and machinery and ill equipped medical and paramedical staff.

"Irregularities, bad services, corruption and nepotism in health sector has quite often been raised in the Assembly. Corruption and appointment of junior officials on important posts, illegal and dangerously flourishing business of unauthorized hospitals has caused a grave threat to human lives in J&K'', the reply filed by Excelsior Editor-in-Chief, S D Rohmetra before Assembly Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone, said.

Following is full text of the reply:

"In response to the motion, as delivered on me for my comments, I have to submit that the bad condition of health care services in the State of Jammu and Kashmir has equally been the concern of Legislature, Judiciary as well as the fourth pillar of democracy called Media. Citizens of the State have been dying due to bad treatment, inferior quality of medicines and machinery, not adequately trained medical and paramedical staff. Many more have been suffering in terms of other related factors. Hundreds of petitions are under hearing with Judiciary, many more have been raised by honourable MLAs and MLCs in Legislature and all outlets of Media---newspapers, radio, television----have been carrying reports and stories on the deteriorating conditions every day.

Your good self has often taken irregularities and bad services, including corruption and nepotism, in health sector seriously and, quite a number of times, issued necessary direction to the Government. The number of questions and calling attention motions in Assembly on this malaise in health sector in itself is an indication how menacing proportions it has assumed over the years. In this context, state subjects have been repeatedly complaining to us that, mainly because of corruption and appointment of junior officials on senior positions, the illegal and dangerously flourishing business of unauthorized hospitals, nursing homes and clinical laboratories in the State has already caused a grave threat to the human life in J&K.

Driven by this concern, we have been carrying reports and stories on this particular subject without malice or prejudice for anybody as it is the primary responsibility of media to highlight such problems and bring same to the notice of other institutions for the purpose of necessary corrections and improvement. Wherever, an inaccuracy of facts creeps in, we have been fairly accommodating the official versions.

Now, with regard to the story pointed out by the Minister, we have to make it clear that it does not anywhere mention the name of Mr Sham Lal Sharma. Nor does it anywhere mention that Mr Sham Lal Sharma has fixed the hafta, we strongly believe, is being collected through extortion from owners and operators of these hospitals and nursing homes. We can not help if still he feels that it is "raising fingers" on him. Top corridors of power do not essentially mean the Minister in charge. As you are better aware, it comprises different strata of the system of governance.

We would further make it clear that we have nowhere infringed the privilege of any identified MLA or Minister nor reported any proceedings of the House in this report that could have been perceived as breach of privilege. Even if a legislator's or a Minister's name is mentioned in such kind of a story, which is not about the business or proceedings of Assembly, the aggrieved person has a right to come up with a rejoinder, that can be carried prominently, or else approach a court of law for defamation. The Minister in question has not taken recourse to either. Instead, he has, without any reason, substance and justification, moved this motion. We strongly reject his allegation that we have in any manner committed the breach of his privilege as MLA or Minister. Yes, it is our duty to make the executive, headed by Ministers, accountable before public through this lawful mandate. We assure you sir that we will carry on to discharge this responsibility.

We also strongly dismiss the complainant's allegation that we are in any manner blackmailing him. It is a fact that lawsuits between us are separately going on in different courts of law but we have been still accommodating his speeches and statements in the interest of our people. We believe that, instead, it is this honorable Minister who is trying to browbeat and silence this genuine and reputed organ of the fourth estate with false, frivolous and fallacious accusations. After approaching different courts, he seems to be trying his weapon by unjustifiably invoking the privilege of honorable members of the House.

With this detailed explanation, we beg to submit that the false and fabricated charge be dismissed forthwith and the complainant reprimanded for trying to silence media while taking refuge under the issue of privilege. As regards the appointment of junior officials as Directors, without the sanction of Cabinet and Establishment-cum-Selection Committee, we are continuing to document the cases, one by one, where Assistant Directors have been appointed as Directors at the peril of the services in health sector."

Education conference in jammu kashmir
kashmir university Kings

How Sham brightened his own mornings in Health

Once a pharmacist and now Minister of Health in Omar Abdullah-led coalition Government, Sham Lal Sharma, has brazenly violated all rules, norms and principals of propriety in making appointment of almost all heads of departments (HoDs) as he went for a pick-and-choose of his favourites and sycophants. None of these appointments has been cleared by the State Government's Establishment-cum-Selection Committee (ESC), headed by Chief Secretary, or confirmed by the Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister.

Upon the superannuation of Dr Mohammad Amin Wani on 31-03-2011, Assistant Director Dr Saleemur Rehman was picked up and appointed as Director of Health Services Kashmir. It is perhaps immaterial to mention that Dr Rehman had a break in service for nearly four years or he figured in the seniority list of the department's Assistant Surgeons far beyond 550. But, it is more than significant that Dr Rehman was confirmed as Assistant Director (AD) by J&K Public Service Commission on lately as on 24-03-2009. Without the Minister's undue favour, he would have reached the rank of Director in 2019.

Days before Dr Amin Wani's retirement, Special Secretary Health, Manzoor Ahmad Shah, made a panel of seniormost officials and forwarded it to ESC and Cabinet through Minister incharge Health. According to well placed sources in the department, name of Deputy Director (DD) Headquarters, Dr Gursharan Singh, stood on the top of the panel by virtue of his seniority and performance. Without forwarding the panel to the competent authority, Minister turned down the proposal. He instead sent the file directly to Chief Minister with the recommendation that Dr Saleemur Rehman be appointed to function as Incharge Director. The CM, according to sources, approved the suggestion but made it clear that the incumbent would hold the charge temporarily till availability of the qualified and suitable official. On 01-04-2011, Dr Rehman took over as Director Health Services Kashmir.

According to sources in bureaucracy, Cabinet alone happens to be the competent authority of appointment of an HOD, including Director Health Services. The proposal, according to these sources, should have been forwarded by the Minister to ESC, on way to Cabinet, through circulation of CM. Administrative experience of seven to 10 years as AD/DD, besides continuity of service without break and top grade APRs for the previous five years, have been fixed as pre-requisites for consideration of an incumbent as HoD.

Interestingly, the administrative department of Health and Medical Education had submitted in a court just two months before that Dr Saleemur Rehman was simply an AD, who had neither seniority nor other qualifications required for appointment of a Director. This averment, duly approved by the Minister, was submitted to J&K High Court when Dr Saleemur Rehman challenged the appointment of Dr Rakesh Khajuria as Director Family Welfare, J&K. The petitioner, Dr Rehman got the order stayed from the court.

In the Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) against the Order/Judgment dated 31-12-2010 passed by Justice Hasnain Masoodi in Dr Saleemur Rehman's SWP No: 1539/2010, Senior Additional Advocate General, Ali Mohammad Magray, submitted to the court a statement of facts, on 28-01-2011, that had been drafted by Department of Health and Medical Education. It reads:

"It is respectfully submitted that the contesting respondent (Dr Saleemur Rehman) had applied against the direct recruitment post of Assistant Director filled up on recommendations of the PSC in terms of Commission's recommendation conveyed vide No: PSC/DR/HME/AD/DTO/07 dated 24-03-2009 and on acceptance of the recommendations, the appellants accorded sanction to his appointment as Assistant Director, Family Welfare, Srinagar in the pay scale of Rs 10,000-15,200 vide Government Order No: 165-HME of 2009 dated 2-4-2009….."

It adds: "That the respondent admittedly is appointed as Assistant Director Family Welfare against the direct recruitment post in terms of Government Order No: 165-HME of 2009 dated 2-4-2009 on the recommendations of PSC, therefore, for all intends and purposes of law, he (Dr Rehman) is on probation and can not be treated as a Member of the service unless he is brought on substantive appointment after declaring the period of probation as having completed successfully. Besides, the respondent (Dr Rehman) on completion of such probation has to be considered for the post of Deputy Director Health Services".

While Dr Saleemur Rehman, according to Government itself, was yet to be confirmed as Deputy Director on 28-01-2011, he got a windfall on 31-03-2011 when, without any direction from High Court or the Cabinet, he was appointed as Director of Health Services Kashmir.

An Indian tribe are isolated from civilization
Farmers awareness camp organized

Panchkarma therapy started at Sarwal Hospital

Five patients were treated today with Panchkarma therapy at Government Hospital Sarwal, here . Ayush OPD has been started at Government Hospital Sarwal and daily more than 60 patients are seen in the OPD and the Hospital Administration had thought of and started the process of even initiating "Panchkarma" and "Kshar Sutra" therapies. Ayurvedic, unani and Yoga OPDs are being run at present in the hospital.

After the launch of NRHM, an initiative has been taken by the Department of Health and Family Welfare and Department of Ayush for strengthening of healthcare facilities at all levels by integrating Ayush systems in national health care delivery systems under NRHM. Physical and functional integration of Ayush systems in NRHM is most important strategy of Mainstreaming under NRHM. Integration is facilitated by appointing or collocating Ayush doctors and supporting staff and creating infrastructure according to local needs. Ayush doctors who are being appointed are used to facilitate management of programmes, monitoring and effective implementation of various interventions under NRHM.

Ayurveda emphasizes preventative and healing therapies along with various methods of purification and rejuvenation. Ayurveda is more than a mere healing system, it is a science and art of appropriate living which helps to achieve longevity. It can also guide every individual in the prevention of disease and long term maintenance of health. To achieve this balanced state of body, mind and consciousness, Ayurveda prescribes Panchakarma Therapy for the cleansing of body toxins.

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Pilgrimage up by 12 lakh Vaishno Devi shrine
Jagti Township Scandal