Dr Tahir Chowdhary blames Omar govt for cardiac crisis at Jammu Super Specialty Hospital

JAMMU: BJP spokesperson Dr Tahir Chowdhary on Monday sharply criticized Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Cabinet Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare Sakina Itoo, holding the government “squarely responsible” for the collapse of cardiac services at Government Super Specialty Hospital (SSH) Jammu.

Dr Chowdhary said the complete shutdown of the Cath Lab, triggered by non-payment of nearly Rs 30 crore in dues under PM-JAY, exposes the “absolute administrative failure” of the Omar-led government. Cardiac procedures at SSH came to a halt on Monday after authorized suppliers of stents, pacemakers, balloons and other life-saving consumables stopped deliveries due to long-pending payments.

He said the fact that the premier cardiac facility of Jammu had to suspend all emergency and routine heart procedures reflects “deep negligence at the highest level”. According to hospital officials, SSH performs around 25 cardiac interventions a day but not a single procedure was conducted on Monday.

“Patients in critical cardiac condition were left helpless. This government has money for publicity, but no money to clear essential medical dues that directly impact lives,” Dr Chowdhary said, accusing the administration of pushing vulnerable patients into danger. Dr Chowdhary said the scale of unpaid bills under PM-JAY raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to healthcare.

“The system is collapsing because of incompetence. The Chief Minister and the concerned minister owe an explanation to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. He urged the government to clear all outstanding payments immediately and ensure uninterrupted cardiac services at SSH. “This is not just mismanagement; it is criminal negligence. The government must act before this crisis turns into a full-blown healthcare emergency,” he added.