Jammu: Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday said she has directed the Health Secretary to submit a detailed proposal to ensure that students affected by the derecognition of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College are accommodated in nearby medical institutions.
Speaking to reporters, Sakina Itoo said the medical profession stands on the principle of humanity and care, and should never be viewed through the prism of division. She said healthcare is about treating people as human beings, not about identity or belief.
The minister expressed strong disappointment over what she described as an unprecedented situation where certain organisations were seen welcoming the shutdown of a medical college in their own region. She said such reactions were unfortunate and damaging to the larger cause of education and public health.
Highlighting the plight of students, Sakina Itoo said young aspirants were made targets and their future was dragged into political debates. She said the government remains committed to ensuring that these students do not suffer because of circumstances beyond their control.
She said the Health Secretary has been asked to place a proposal at the earliest so that affected students can be relocated to suitable medical colleges close to their homes, ensuring continuity of their studies.
The minister reiterated that safeguarding students’ careers and strengthening medical education infrastructure remains a priority for the government. [KNT]
