The Diplomat Desk
Jammu: TDD,Senior social and health activist Sukesh C. Khajuria has expressed deep concern over the recent deaths of nine people, including seven children, from two families in the border district of Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. Among the victims, one was a male and one was a female who was five months pregnant. The cause of the deaths remains unknown, sparking alarm and raising serious questions about the state of health services in the region.
Khajuria, who has been at the forefront of numerous social causes, particularly in the areas of health and medical services, is calling for urgent reforms in the region’s healthcare system. He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to immediately initiate an overhaul of the health services, which, according to Khajuria, have become increasingly exploitative, leaving poor and marginalized sections of society vulnerable and underserved.
“The tragic deaths of nine people, especially seven children, within such a short time span, highlight the grim realities of health and medical services in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in its remote and hilly areas,” Khajuria stated. He noted that while the health sector has seen tremendous technological advancements, these benefits have not reached the impoverished populations in far-flung areas.
Khajuria also stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation into the deaths, calling for the involvement of law enforcement and other investigating agencies, including the CBI, to determine the cause and responsibility for the tragic event.
Sukesh Khajuria, who previously advocated for victims of spurious drugs in Ramnagar tehsil of Udhampur, urged authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the Rajouri deaths and implement corrective measures swiftly. His efforts in the past, including securing compensation for families affected by harmful drugs, have shown his commitment to protecting public health.
A central team of health experts has been dispatched to Rajouri to assist in the investigation. A Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) mobile laboratory was sent to expedite testing and identify the illness. The victims, all from Badhaal village in Kotranka tehsil of district Rajouri, belonged to two ST families.
The deaths have highlighted the vulnerability of the region’s population, raising concerns about whether the disease is contagious, environmental, or the result of medical negligence. As the nature of the disease remains unclear, Khajuria called on health authorities to ensure that no further fatalities occur in the region.
The tragic incident, in which seven of the nine victims were children, has deeply shaken the local community, leading to widespread concern over the adequacy of health services in the area.TDD
press release
