Aurangabad, March 28:
MP Imtiyaz Jaleel on Sunday strongly opposed the lockdown, stating that the government has not been able to bring corona under control since last year. There has never been an attempt to strengthen the health administration over the past year. Hence to oppose the lockdown and awaken the administration from its sleep, a march will be held on March 31 from Paithangate to the district collector office at 3 pm.
Addressing a press conference, MP Jaleel alleged that the administration has decided to lockdown to ease their work. The government hospitals, as well as other medical institutions, are facing a shortage of manpower. At least 2,048 posts for doctors and healthcare workers are lying vacant since 2017. This includes 868 in the GMCH, 83 in the municipal corporation, 332 in the ZP health department, 122 in the cancer hospital, 364 in the extension building of the cancer hospital and 219 vacancies in the super speciality ward of the GMCH. Work on the 200-bed hospital has not started to date. The ministry of AYUSH has sanctioned a 30-bed hospital. But to date, no space has been allotted. The administration does not want to strengthen the health administration. But imposes a lockdown on citizens. This is just hypocrisy. Unfortunately, the situation in Marathwada is very bad due to a lack of basic medical infrastructure, he remarked. He also quizzed that why there is no corona surge in states where there are elections.
Govt must pay rent
The government should pay at least the minimum rent to the traders. Three to four patients are being treated in one bed at GMCH. Should this be called a strong health system, he mentioned. Two ministers from Marathwada have benefited the health department. Yet, the situation has not improved in the slightest.