Ladakh: Renaming of public health centers as ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir’ sparks backlash
Srinagar: The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government's decision to rename health centers as ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandirs’ has ignited controversy in Ladakh, drawing criticism from the region’s most influential Buddhist organization and elected representatives who view the move as an insult to the sentiments of the people in the Union Territory, according to TheWire.in.
In November last year, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had decided to rename Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centers (AB-HWC’s) as 'Ayushman Arogya Mandirs'. In a letter dated November 25, 2023, the ministry proposed the name change as part of a rebranding initiative for states and union territories. States were instructed to submit photographs of these health centers along with the renaming by December 31, 2023.
The rebranding of Ayushman centers in the Union Territory has faced strong opposition from major religious groups in Ladakh, particularly in the Buddhist-majority Leh district. Elected representatives in the district have also criticized the renaming of health centers.
Meanwhile, Chering Dorjey Lakrook, acting president, Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), who also served as a Minister in the erstwhile People’s Democratic Party-BJP government in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, stated that the decision was unacceptable.
“This is a conspiracy against us. What is the joy in naming hospitals after temples? this is a step towards making India a ‘Hindu Rashtra’,” said Dorjey speaking to TheWire.in
Simultaneously, Saspol constituency Councilor and President of Ladakh unit Youth Congress, Smanla Dorje Nurboo speaking to TheWire.in expressed that people are offended by this decision.
“Health facilities should be accessible to all. But this move will create barriers to use these facilities," he alleged.
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Theft only motive, no gang behind attack on Saif: Minister
Mumbai: No underworld gang is behind the knife attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, Maharashtra minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam said on Friday.
“A suspect who has been detained in connection with the attack (and released later) is not part of any gang. No gang has carried out this attack,” Kadam told reporters in Pune.
Kadam said theft was the only motive behind the attack on the actor.
Police had picked up a carpenter in connection with the attack as he resembled the intruder and brought him to the Bandra police station for questioning on Friday morning, but released him later. A senior police official clarified the man was not related to the attack on Khan and no one has been arrested so far.
"There has been no intimation from Saif Ali Khan to police till date on whether he faced any threat,” the minister said. “He has not sought any security cover, but if he does so, we will follow due procedure,” he added.
Queried if the actor would be provided security following the incident, Kadam said Khan can put forth a demand if he believes there is a threat to his life.
"The police administration will take appropriate decision after a review (of the demand). There is a police committee which reviews applications seeking security. It is provided on the basis of severity of threat to a person," the minister added.
Khan (54) suffered grievous injuries after an intruder stabbed him with a knife repeatedly at his 12th-floor flat in upscale Bandra in the early hours of Thursday. The actor, who received multiple stab injuries, including in his neck, underwent an emergency surgery at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital.
He is doing "very well" and expected to be discharged in two to three days, doctors said on Friday.
Asked about possible involvement of a criminal gang in the attack, the minister maintained primary investigations have ruled out any such angle. So far, theft seems to be the only motive behind the incident, he added.
CCTV footage showed the suspected assailant, wearing a red scarf and carrying a backpack, scurrying down the stairs from the sixth floor of the 'Satguru Sharan' building where Khan lives.
