'Like living in Pakistan': Punjab AAP MLA targets own government
What's the story
Two MLAs from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have slammed the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government over its performance in the health sector.
During a question hour in the state assembly, Devinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhose, who represents Dharamkot constituency in Moga, echoed the dissatisfaction of his constituents, saying they feel like they're "living in Pakistan."
This was after Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh ruled out upgrading the PHC (primary health center) in Dharamkot or setting up a trauma center there.
Minister's response
No upgrade proposal for Dharamkot primary health center
"There is also no proposal to open a trauma center in Dharamkot. There are already five trauma centres functioning in the state of Punjab ... in Jalandhar, Pathankot, Khanna, Ferozepur and Fazilka," Health Minister Singh said.
In a stinging rejoinder to the health minister's statement, Dhose said both his constituency and Moga district have received "step-motherly" treatment from the state government.
He said no health-related project has even been sanctioned for the Dharamkot Assembly segment in three years.
Discrimination claims
Dhose accuses state government of discrimination
"Why this discrimination against Moga... whether Moga is part of Punjab? I feel like perhaps we are living in Pakistan," Dhose said.
After the assembly session, Dhose clarified his comments to the media.
While he had said more doctors were needed and their hospital should be upgraded. "The situation is not bad," he said.
He added party leadership has always encouraged them to raise their voices boldly.
Additional concerns
Other AAP MLAs also question health infrastructure
Dhose wasn't the only AAP MLA to raise concerns over health infrastructure in Punjab.
Kulwant Singh Bazigar (Shutrana) questioned the health minister and said three hospitals in his constituency don't have doctors.
Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh also questioned when staff would be deployed at a new dispensary in Sector 69 and other facilities made available there.
Meanwhile, the state government has allocated ₹150 crore to hold a drug census