In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: In a hard-hitting and strongly worded interaction, Senior BJP leader Chetan Wanchoo, accompanied by a delegation of Samaj Seva Samiti, Jagti, met Director Health Services, Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar, and forcefully brought to his notice the alarming condition and severe shortcomings prevailing at Sub District Hospital (SDH) Jagti, which is failing to meet even the basic healthcare needs of the local population.

Wanchoo informed the Director that in recent days there has been a sharp rise in Gastroenteritis cases in the Migrant Camps of Jagti and Nagrota, resulting in a large influx of patients being admitted to SDH Jagti. He stated that due to an acute shortage of doctors, nurses, and supporting staff, patients are being denied timely and proper medical attention.

This gross negligence, he said, has created deep public anger and unrest among the people, who feel completely abandoned by the Health Department. He cautioned that if immediate corrective steps are not taken, the situation could spiral into a major health disaster.

Highlighting another pressing and life-threatening concern, President Samaj Seva Samiti Jagti, Sheshnag, said that rabies cases are on the rise in Jagti, primarily due to the unchecked menace of stray dogs and monkeys in the area. He expressed serious concern and disappointment over the fact that SDH Jagti is facing a shortage of anti-rabies vaccines, calling it a shocking failure of the system. He emphasized that the non-availability of such a critical vaccine is unacceptable and puts innocent lives, especially children, at grave risk.

Further strengthening the delegation’s stand, Mandal President BJP Jagti, Pyare Lal Pandita, demanded immediate introduction of dialysis facilities, upgradation of the Gynaecology Operation Theatre, and urgent filling of vacant posts at the hospital. He said that due to the staff shortage, patients are not being properly examined or treated, while the existing staff is overworked and under immense pressure, which is adversely affecting the quality of healthcare services.

Taking cognizance of the serious issues raised, Director Health Services Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar assured the delegation that the staff shortage will be addressed at the earliest possible time. He also informed that anti-rabies vaccines have been provided immediately and assured that all other genuine demands and issues would be resolved on a priority basis.

The BJP leadership and Samaj Seva Samiti made it unequivocally clear that these assurances must be translated into action without delay. They warned that if the Health Department fails to improve the situation on the ground, they will not hesitate to intensify their struggle and launch strong protests in order to safeguard the health and lives of the people.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇