Srinagar, Dec 24: Patients from across Kashmir, solely dependent on the Government Chest Diseases (CD) Hospital for treatment of their ailments, endure severe hardships due to crumbling infrastructure reminiscent of early 20th-century sanatoriums and a critical shortage of functional medical equipment.

The pathetic condition of CD Hospital, an associated hospital of Government Medical College Srinagar and the sole specialised facility of its kind in Kashmir, is, however, a more urgent one. Known as Drugjan Hospital among locals, it was established in 1850 AD, during British rule, as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients by Christian medical missionaries. The hospital, located in Dalgate and affiliated with the Government Medical College Srinagar, has long been criticised for its antiquated facilities that fail to meet modern healthcare standards. It was built in an era when tuberculosis sanatoriums emphasised isolation and fresh air over technological integration.

The current structure lacks essential accessibility features such as ramps, spacious wards, and adequate outpatient areas. Patients with respiratory issues, many of whom rely on wheelchairs, or are sick and need stretchers, or have other mobility challenges have to be lifted by a group of attendants to move up the steep stairs or navigate uneven pathways.

Adding the proverbial insult to the injury, there is a dire equipment crisis at the hospital. A recent internal communication at GMC Srinagar reveals that nearly all bronchoscopes and specialised scopes in the operating theatre are non-functional. Only two models remain, limiting the scope of procedures currently available. The limited tools are insufficient for the hospital’s caseload, reveals the communiqué. Critically, both Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) scopes, models BF-UC180F, have been lying defunct for nearly two years, causing a complete halt in EBUS procedures that are critical for diagnosing and treating lung conditions like cancer and infections.

In addition, the overcrowded waiting areas, insufficient parking, and crammed wards create an urgent need for a revamp.

J&K Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said a “long-term and sustainable solution” to the deficiencies at this facility was being looked into. The Health Minister said that many options were being explored for addressing “the issue of CD Hospital,” but none had yet been finalised due to constraints at all possible relocation areas.

“We have to ensure that what we decide for this hospital makes it fit to stand the needs of expansion for another century. It must have a possibility for state-of-the-art equipment installation and for other needs of a tertiary-care hospital,” she said. She added that the equipment needs of the institutes were being decided after examining the requisitions and records. “We are ready to augment equipment, wherever there is a need,” she said.

Srinagar, Dec 24: In a rare reversal of political judgment, a critic of former education minister of J&K, Naeem Akhtar has now turned as his admirer while acknowledging his reformative decisions in the education sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The former education minister Naeem Akhtar in the PDP led government was criticised for his “rigid” and “controversial” decisions in the education department from 2015 to 2017. He faced opposition from the trade union leaders in the education department as well.

However, one of his critics, Mir Rafqat (Rafqat Sonawari) who is a young Political activist from Sonawari area of Bandipora and has served a Sarpanch in the past has now acknowledged that the decisions taken by the former education minister were based on principles.

He said the decisions were rooted in long-term institutional reform rather than political convenience while the pressure ultimately derailed measures aimed at accountability, quality education, and equitable opportunities for students in government-run schools. “For a long time, I counted myself among the harshest critics of former Education Minister Naeem Akhtar. I wrote not dozens but hundreds, perhaps thousands of tweets and Facebook posts against him,” Rafqat said.

He said during that time, the minister’s decisions appeared rigid, uncompromising, and disconnected from popular expectations. “Today, with the passage of time and on the basis of personal experience, I feel compelled to revisit and reassess that judgment. Naeem Akhtar firmly believed that J&K’s education system required structural reforms rather than cosmetic measures, particularly in government schools,” he said. He said his reassessment was not merely as a political observer, but as a parent of two children with a modest income, and as a former Sarpanch who has closely observed the functioning of government schools at the grassroots level. “Seen from this vantage point, many of the decisions taken by Naeem Akhtar during his short tenure now appear principled, reform-oriented, and far-sighted,” he said. He said the former education minister was focused on accountability, quality, and institutional discipline. “Such an approach invited resistance in a system long accustomed to convenience, patronage, and political interference,” he said.

Notably, the concept of rationalisation of teaching staff, de-walling of schools and introduction of Super-50 and winter tutorials were started and remained a success story of the government during that time. “In Bandipora district a school functioned for years with four teachers for just six students. Despite sustained political and local pressure, Naeem Akhtar decided to amalgamate the school with a nearby institution to ensure better utilization of resources and improved academic standards,” Rafqat recalled.

“Equally significant was his firm stand against politically motivated transfers in the education department. Despite pressure from within his own party, he refused to allow the education sector to become a transfer mafia and chose institutional integrity over political convenience,” he said. During the tenure of Naeem Akhtar, around 2400 schools were clubbed for meager or zero enrollment which resulted in surplus staff whose services were utilised in schools on a requirement basis. It was during his tenure that “ghost schools”- the educational institutions which had students enrolled only on papers but were physically taking classes in private schools.

“On a personal note, I once approached him seeking a transfer for my sister from Ganderbal to Bandipora district. He categorically refused. At the time, the decision felt disappointing. Today, I see it as a clear reflection of his commitment to principles and institutional fairness,” Rafqat recalls. Rafqat said that for personal benefits and short-term interests, some people, party workers, legislators, and leaders alike rose in opposition to Naeem Akhtar. “Today, as an individual and as a parent of two children, I have reached the conclusion that every major decision taken by him was aimed at safeguarding the interests of the middle and economically weaker sections of society, especially those dependent on government schools,” Rafqat said. “As a former Sarpanch, I acknowledge that government schools suffer from numerous loopholes ranging from lack of accountability to inefficient deployment of resources. Having witnessed these shortcomings firsthand, it is fair to say that Naeem Akhtar was uniquely positioned to address them,” he said. He said that Naeem Akhtar considered education as a sector where compromise causes irreversible damage. “He chose principles over pressure, reform over convenience, and institutions over individuals,” he said.

Srinagar, Dec. 24: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered an inquiry into allegations of substandard nutritional supplies being distributed under various Poshan projects in Anantnag district, following complaints by Anganwadi workers.

Zaheer Abbas, district programme officer of Kulgam, has been appointed as the inquiry officer to conduct a detailed probe, according to an order issued by the Directorate of Mission Poshan Jammu and Kashmir.

The inquiry was initiated after Anganwadi workers in Anantnag alleged that poor-quality nutrition items were being supplied to several Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) projects.

The workers raised the issue during a media briefing, urging the administration to take immediate corrective action.

“Sanction is hereby accorded to the appointment of  Zaheer Abbas, district programme officer, as an inquiry officer to conduct a thorough probe into the allegations levelled through a media briefing widely circulated on social media with regard to the purchase of nutrition items in various Poshan projects of district Anantnag,” the order said.

The government has directed the inquiry officer to submit a comprehensive report, along with specific comments and recommendations, within seven days.

“The inquiry officer shall furnish a comprehensive report along with specific comments and recommendations within a period of seven days,” the order said.

Officials said the inquiry will examine the procurement process, quality of nutritional supplies, storage conditions and distribution mechanisms to ensure that beneficiaries, including women and children, receive safe and adequate nutrition.

Authorities said further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.