Navy chief lays foundation of paediatric ward in Kashmir

Handwara, north Kashmir, Oct 15 (UNI) Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash today laid the foundation stone of a 15-bed paediatric ward in the existing district hospital here.

The ward would be constructed by the Navy in memory of 20 children and two staff members of the Burning Candle School, Handwara drowned in a boat capsize during a picnic in Wullar Lake on May 30 this year.

Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Prakash the ward would be a small token of respect in memory of the drowned children.

The ward would be completed by mid 2007 at a cost of Rs 1.50 crore, he added.

''We fully share the pain and anguish of families of these children and offer our heartfelt condolences. I was touched to know that the parents of the deceased children came out with a noble thought of setting up the much-needed Pediatric Ward that would be of immense help to the people of Handwara,'' he said.

The Navy Chief said the ward on completion would be operated by the state medical authorities and the Army has also assured full support in this regard.

''It is our hope that peace and stability will soon return to the Valley to enable the children to enjoy the benefits of quality education and good medicare,'' said Admiral Prakash who was born in south Kashmir district of Anantnag in 1944.

His father served about 40 years in the Kashmir Civil Service till he retired in 1965. Admiral Prakash said he has a special relationship with Handwara as his father's first posting was as naib-tehsildar of this town in 1936-37.

He said the Navy has provided an interim relief of Rs one lakh each to the families of the deceased.

UNI AG ASM SK VV1605