Waheed Para Questions Govt Over AIIMS Awantipora Delays, Alleges Officials Were Summoned After PDP President’s Visit | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Friday accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of focusing on political optics rather than addressing delays in the operationalisation of AIIMS Awantipora, alleging that officials were summoned following a recent visit by former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to the institution.

In a statement, Para claimed that Jammu and Kashmir was facing a growing healthcare crisis and said the government should prioritise making the premier healthcare facility fully functional rather than questioning visits by opposition leaders.

He alleged that officials from AIIMS Awantipora had been called to the Chief Minister’s private office and questioned over the visit by Mehbooba Mufti and local legislators. Para described the reported move as misplaced, arguing that attention should instead be directed towards addressing delays in the project and improving healthcare services.

The PDP leader further criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging that the government had failed to adequately monitor the progress of the institution despite its importance to the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

Referring to rising health concerns, including cancer-related cases, Para said patients continued to await access to advanced medical facilities and called for greater accountability in ensuring the timely completion and functioning of AIIMS Awantipora.

He maintained that elected representatives had every right to visit public projects and assess their status, adding that the focus should remain on delivering healthcare services rather than political controversies.

There was no immediate response from the NC government to the allegations made by the PDP leader.