Ganderbal:Social Activist Forum Ganderbal has deferred its proposed hunger strike after holding discussions with the administration over demands related to healthcare and education facilities in Kangan.
Addressing a press conference, Manzoor Ahmad Lone said the decision was taken after the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) asked them to meet concerned officials and discuss their demands.
He said several issues concerning Kangan Trauma Hospital have seen progress, including the introduction of a separate counter for elderly patients, which he said would help reduce waiting time.
On the dialysis unit, he said a doctor has been sent for training and is expected to return and operate the facility. He added that the forum has also sought the appointment of a technician, as the post is currently vacant.
The activist said endoscopy services are also expected to begin shortly, initially on a limited scale, while efforts would continue to improve the facility and equipment.
He also highlighted the renovation of hospital washrooms, saying work is underway but the issue of the septic tank needs to be resolved for the facility to become fully functional.
On diagnostic services, he said the hospital is currently using an old USG machine and that a proposal has been sent to higher authorities for a modern machine.
Regarding staffing, the forum said shortages of doctors and other staff remain a major concern and urged the administration to address vacancies at Kangan Trauma Hospital.
On education, the forum raised concerns over vacant teaching posts in schools, particularly in Kangan and Ganiwan, and called for rationalisation of staff to ensure adequate teachers in schools with higher student enrolment.
The activist said the administration has also been approached over school infrastructure and that work has started on some of the demands.
He said the forum decided to wait for the time sought by the administration, adding that if the commitments are not fulfilled, it may consider peaceful protests again.
The forum also raised the issue of expansion of Kangan hospital infrastructure, saying permissions related to the existing land and structures need to be resolved so that old buildings can be dismantled and new facilities constructed in a planned manner.
