JAMMU, Jun 5: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Jammu & Kashmir unit, has expressed serious concern over the alleged activities of quack doctors, private diagnostic centres and private ambulance operators in the Union Territory and demanded immediate and effective intervention by the administration.
Addressing media persons after a membership induction programme at the party headquarters, J&K unit president Manish Sahni said that weak monitoring by the Health Department and the administration has allowed illegal medical practices to flourish in several rural and semi-urban areas.
Referring to the recent case in Palli village of Samba district, where a woman allegedly died following improper treatment, Sahni demanded a fair and impartial inquiry along with strict legal action against those found responsible. He stated that the issue is not limited to quack doctors alone, but also extends to widespread irregularities in the functioning of private diagnostic centres, laboratories and ambulance services.
Sahni alleged that patients are being charged arbitrary and excessive rates for various medical investigations. The cost of ultrasounds, blood tests, CT scans and other diagnostic procedures in Jammu & Kashmir is reportedly much higher than in several neighbouring states, placing an unnecessary financial burden on common people.
He further said that private ambulance operators often exploit the helplessness of patients and their families during medical emergencies by charging exorbitant fares, a practice that is both unfortunate and inhumane.
Shiv Sena (UBT) demanded that the government fix maximum rates for diagnostic tests conducted by private laboratories and diagnostic centres, make fare charts mandatory for private ambulance services, and constitute special task forces at the block level to launch a comprehensive drive against quack medical practitioners.
The party has also submitted a detailed memorandum to Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, seeking immediate action.
Among those present on the occasion were Sanjeev Kohli, Aditya Mahajan, Mohd Ashraf and other party office-bearers.
During the membership induction programme held at the party’s Jammu office, dozens of people from different sections of society joined Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray). Inspired by the party’s pro-people policies, social commitment and consistent advocacy of public issues, the new members decided to associate themselves with the organisation.
J&K unit president Manish Sahni welcomed the new entrants, including Praveen Khajuria, Rahul Singh, Yashasvi, Bilal Ahmad, Muzaffar Ahmad, Zakir Ahmad , Umar Ramzan, Mohd Raffiq by presenting them with the party symbol and the traditional “Shiv Bandhan”.
He said that the growing support for the party reflects the people’s faith in Shiv Sena’s commitment to public welfare and its unwavering efforts to raise issues affecting common citizens.