Jammu: Satish Sharma, the Pradesh Congress General Secretary and former Chairman of the Jammu Municipal Corporation, met with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday. The meeting, held at the Secretariat in Kashmir, focused on critical public issues, including the demand for Sub-District Hospital status for the Rajiv Gandhi Hospital in Gangyal.
Sharma emphasized that granting this status is essential to meet the growing healthcare requirements of Gangyal and its surrounding areas. With a continually rising population, local residents increasingly rely on Rajiv Gandhi Hospital for healthcare services. He stated, “This long-standing demand is crucial for improving medical facilities in our area.” The enhancement would include the addition of specialist doctors, modern medical equipment, and necessary staff.
Currently, residents often travel long distances to access healthcare services, which Sharma identified as a significant concern. “If Rajiv Gandhi Hospital is elevated to Sub-District status, locals will enjoy improved healthcare facilities nearer to home,” he explained. This upgrade aims not just to facilitate immediate health services but also to enrich the overall community health infrastructure.
In addition to healthcare, Sharma addressed the pressing issue of poor road conditions in Gangyal. He urged the Deputy Chief Minister to initiate a survey and commence blacktopping work on local roads urgently. “The current state of the roads creates daily challenges for residents, students, and drivers,” he noted. Ensuring that roads receive the necessary maintenance will alleviate these difficulties and enhance overall safety.
Sharma further raised the plight of commuters affected by the damaged bridge over the canal at Bawaliana. “The bridge is a vital link, and its poor condition causes serious inconvenience, particularly during the rainy season,” he stated. He called for swift action to reconstruct this critical infrastructure, emphasizing how essential it is for day-to-day commuting and accessibility.
Moreover, he drew attention to the need for road construction in Dadap Panchayat. The lack of proper connectivity has led to considerable hardships for residents. As Sharma pointed out, “Building this road is vital not only for enhancing connectivity but also for stimulating development in the area.”
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary responded positively to Sharma’s concerns. He assured him that all demands would be prioritized, stating, “We will engage with relevant officials to ensure these issues are addressed swiftly.” This commitment from the Deputy Chief Minister marks a hopeful step towards resolving these long-standing concerns in the Gangyal area.
