Srinagar, September 23 (Scoop News) – J&K Minister for Health and Horticulture, Sham Lal Sharma on the sidelines of a press conference here today said that the Horticulture department has despatched as many as 23, 819 fruit laden trucks in 2009 and 16361 trucks loaded with fresh fruit so far this year to outside markets from the valley.
The Minister admitted that due to heavy rainfall during March and April this year in the Valley, the cherry produce experienced fall this year. But despite that the Government was able to facilitate despatch of 51 trucks laden with fresh cherry fruits to different markets of the countries in comparison to 65 trucks during the corresponding period of last year.
Sharma said that Horticulture is the biggest income generating industry of the State and the Government is endeavouring to develop it on the modern lines to make it more profitable. He further said that in the month of May this year, 233 trucks, in June 964, July 2737, in August 5316 and upto September 22, as many as 7060 trucks laden with fresh fruit have been despatched to different markets outside the Valley.
Earlier while addressing a press conference here today, the Minister said that primary and secondary health care continued un-interrupted in all the health institutions across the Valley including far–off areas. He said that 10,000 patients were given medicare in Budgam and Doda districts following incidence of Cholera.
Sharma further said that adequate stock of medicines /surgical gadgets/equipment and well trained manpower is available in the hospitals, adding there was no need to panic on this account.
Replying to a question about critical ambulances, the Minister said that adequate funds are available with Health Department for procuring 25 critical ambulance ,adding that every district hospital will be equipped with a critical care ambulance fitted with all vital facilities by the end of March next Year.
About financial resources, the Health Minister said that his Department has been granted enhanced capital outlay of 56 per cent for current fiscal and thus the question of resource constraint does not rise at all.
The Minister referred to the prompt response to tackle health emergency in Ladakh during cloudburst and flash floods and said that his department made Sonam Hospital of Ladakh functional within 12 hours and critical care including surgeries were resumed just within two days after the calamity struck the rgion.
The Minister of State for Health, Javid Ahmad Dar, Principal Secretary, Health, R K Jerath and Director Health were present on the occasion.
Leave Your Comments