Udhampur, Apr 22 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited Government Medical College Udhampur to enquire about the health of those injured in the tragic road accident that occurred earlier this week. He interacted with the injured and their families, directing officials to ensure the best possible medical care with round-the-clock monitoring.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo and Minister for Transport Satish Sharma, conducted a detailed inspection of the hospital facilities. Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa, Commissioner Transport J&K Vishesh Paul Mahajan, DIG Udhampur-Reasi range and SSP, National Highway, Principal GMC Udhampur, Regional Transport Officer Jammu, Medical Superintendent GMC Udhampur and other concerned were also present along with senior officers from the civil administration, police, and medical fraternity, were also present during the visit.
While taking round of the hospotal, the Chief Minister inspected the Trauma Centre, ICU, Orthopaedic and Surgery wards, and other sections of the hospital. He met each injured patient individually, enquiring about their condition, treatment protocols, availability of medicines, nature of injuries, and expected discharge timelines.
The attending medical team briefed the Chief Minister on the line of treatment being administered, including surgeries and other medical interventions, as well as the recovery progress of the patients.
Assuring full support to the affected families, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for stringent measures to prevent such accidents in the future. He later chaired a review meeting to assess both the treatment being provided to the injured and the overall functioning of GMC Udhampur. The meeting was informed about the preliminary causes of the accident and the status of the ongoing investigation.
Expressing concern over road safety, the Chief Minister directed the Transport Department to ensure adequate frequency of buses on various routes and strictly curb overloading. “Don’t show any laxity on these issues,” he asserted.
On the occasion, officials apprised the Chief Minister about the relief being extended under the Road Accident Victim Fund, which includes financial assistance of ₹1 lakh in case of death, ₹75,000 for permanent disability, ₹50,000 for grievous injuries, and ₹10,000 for minor injuries.
The Chief Minister further instructed all concerned departments to extend maximum support to the victims and their families through various welfare schemes of key sectors, including health, education, and social welfare, ensuring a comprehensive support system during their recovery and rehabilitation.
Soon after the tragedy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced immediate relief from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the victims with an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased, ₹1 lakh to those seriously injured, and ₹25,000 to those who sustained minor injuries in the accident—(KNO)