Srinagar, Oct 24 (KNS): BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Danish Bhat on Saturday questioned National Conference MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi over the healthcare crisis in Gurez, asking why residents were forced to launch a hunger strike for basic medical facilities despite his nearly two decades of representation.

In a statement issued here, Bhat said Gurezi, who has represented the constituency across four Assembly elections since 2002, owed an explanation to the people over the continued shortage of specialist doctors and emergency healthcare infrastructure.

"Nearly two decades of political representation should have translated into reliable healthcare, functioning emergency services and dignity for the people of Gurez. Instead, residents are now forced to sit on a hunger strike to demand a gynaecologist, a radiologist, a functional operation theatre, a blood bank and even appropriately equipped ambulances," Bhat said.

He said the situation raised serious questions about political accountability and the failure to address longstanding healthcare deficiencies in the remote border constituency.

Referring to the death of 30-year-old Haseena Begum and her unborn baby on October 14, Bhat said the tragedy had exposed serious gaps in the region's healthcare system.

"An expectant mother should not have to depend on uncertainty when she needs emergency medical care. No family should have to endure such a devastating loss while questioning whether timely treatment and adequate facilities were available," he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Bhat demanded an impartial and time-bound investigation into the deaths, saying responsibility must be fixed wherever lapses are established and the findings made public.

Questioning the National Conference's claims of representing the aspirations of Kashmiris, he said political representation should be judged by improvements on the ground rather than election victories.

"When people have to demand a permanent specialist, a functioning operation theatre and emergency transport after years of representation, the elected leadership owes them answers," he said.

The BJP spokesperson said Gurez's difficult terrain, geographical isolation and harsh winters made reliable healthcare infrastructure particularly important.

He said these challenges were well known and could not be cited indefinitely to justify inadequate medical preparedness.

Bhat urged the government to immediately address the demands of protesters by ensuring specialist doctors, operationalising essential hospital facilities, strengthening emergency referral arrangements and providing suitably equipped ambulances in Gurez, Tulail and Bagtore.

"People of Gurez are not asking for favours. They are demanding basic healthcare, accountability and the assurance that their lives matter," he said.

He added that the hunger strike should not become another issue forgotten after a few days and called upon both the government and the elected representative to respond to the concerns of residents. (KNS)