Dr Abdullah releases Rs 1.40 cr from MPLAD fund to fight COVID in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 8: Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah has released Rs 1.40 crore from his Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds to fight against the COVID-19 in the Kashmir valley, where 3575 positive cases were reported on Friday, when 21 have lost their battle against the virus.

In a letter to Deputy Commissioner, (DC) Srinagar Mohammad Aijaz Asad which was released to press on Saturday, MP from Srinagar constituency Dr Abdullah said that 'in view of the fact that COVID-19 is spreading at an alarming rate in the Kashmir valley, I think it most appropriate to use the MPLAD funds released by the Government of India (GoI) recently in my favour mainly towards improving the COVID care facilities in the hospitals falling under the jurisdiction of my Parliamentary constituency.

' In this connection I recommend release of funds to three hospitals and Directorate of Health Service (DHS), Kashmir, out of my MPLAD funds for the year 2021-22.'

National Conference (NC) president Dr Abdullah released Rs 50 lakhs for DHS, Kashmir, Government Chest Disease Hospital, Srinagar, Government SMHS hospital, Srinagar and S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) medical college hospital Rs 30 lakhs each.