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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka govt directs municipal corps to regulate, prohibit pigeon feeding
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government has issued directions to municipal corporations across the state to regulate and prohibit feeding pigeons in public places, citing serious public health concerns.
Deputy Secretary to Government V Lakshmikanth has written to the Urban Development Department requesting it to issue directions to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and all municipal corporations to take immediate steps to implement the measures.
In an official note dated December 16 issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department and released to the media on Wednesday, the department said uncontrolled feeding of pigeons in public places has resulted in large congregations of birds, excessive droppings and serious health concerns, particularly respiratory illnesses linked to prolonged exposure to pigeon droppings and feathers such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other lung diseases.
ALSO READ: Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar Coast
"The commissioner, the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the Commissioners and chief officers of other municipal corporations shall take necessary action to mitigate the causes of dangerous disease spread by pigeon and enforce specified guidelines in their respective jurisdiction," the note said.
According to the department, these include a prohibition on feeding pigeons or causing pigeons to be fed in areas where it may cause nuisance or pose a health hazard to the public. Pigeon feeding shall be permitted only in designated areas in a controlled manner, subject to certain conditions.
"The designated areas may be selected in consultation with stakeholders. The responsibility for upkeep of the designated areas and compliance to the directions shall be taken up by some charitable organisation or an NGO. The feeding in designated areas shall be permitted only for some limited hours in the day," it said.
The note further stated that authorised officers of local authorities shall issue on-the-spot warnings and may impose fines for violation of the order, or lodge complaints to prosecute offenders under Sections 271 (Negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 272 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It also directed local authorities to conduct public awareness campaigns, including the display of signboards, banners and digital messages, explaining the health hazards associated with pigeon droppings and feathers, the content of the regulatory directions and penalties for violations, and alternative humane methods of bird conservation that do not endanger public health.
