Govt Committed To Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure: Sakina Itoo

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The Jammu and Kashmir government has reiterated its commitment to addressing gaps in the health sector and enhancing medical facilities in accordance with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms.

Responding to a query by MLA Daleep Singh Parihar, Health and Medical Education Department Minister Sakina Itoo stated that the administration is actively working to resolve the shortage of doctors across various healthcare institutions.

“Significant measures are being undertaken to fill vacancies for Medical Officers to ensure that healthcare services remain accessible to the public. Out of the 365 newly appointed Medical Officers, 14 have been assigned to District Doda, strengthening the healthcare infrastructure in the region,” Itoo said.

She further informed that 22 doctors are currently serving at healthcare centers including SDH Bhaderwah, SDH Gandoh, PHC Chinga, Bhella, Bhalla, Prem Nagar, Tapri, and Changa. Additionally, under the National Health Mission (NHM), 19 doctors have been deployed to further bolster medical services at these institutions.

“To reinforce healthcare delivery, 37 paramedics and non-gazetted NHM staff have been deployed, ensuring that patients receive timely medical care and the infrastructure remains well-supported,” she added.

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Itoo also highlighted that the recruitment process for 181 Medical Officer positions is in progress through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC).“Once finalized, these doctors will be placed in health institutions facing acute shortages,” she stated.

According to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare's 2023 report, Jammu and Kashmir boasts 554 NTPHCs, making it one of the regions with the highest density of health institutions in the country.“J&K is dedicated to consolidating its existing healthcare network, which currently includes over 4,200 institutions spanning Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels,” the minister emphasized.

However, she pointed out that due to austerity measures mandated by the Finance Department under Government Order No. 17-F of 2024, dated January 15, 2024, no new health facility upgrades or creations are currently planned.

“The department remains focused on bridging critical gaps and enhancing existing healthcare facilities strictly in adherence to IPHS norms. This also includes expanding e-Sanjeevani/telemedicine services through a structured hub-and-spoke model,” Itoo elaborated. She noted that the IPHS 2022 guidelines have replaced the previous 2012 standards, serving as the foundation for healthcare facility development and upgrades.

In response to MLA Reyaz Ahmad Khan's inquiry, the minister informed that SDH Shangus has four sanctioned Medical Officer positions, all of which are occupied, alongside two NHM-appointed Medical Officers. Furthermore, two sanctioned Dental Surgeon positions are currently filled.

“In November 2024, 365 Medical Officers were inducted into the J&K Health & Family Welfare (Gazetted) Services. Among them, 16 were assigned to remote and peripheral health centers in District Anantnag, fortifying grassroots healthcare delivery,” she stated.

Itoo also acknowledged that specialist positions for SDH Shangus were initially sanctioned under Government Order No. 833 HME of 2002, dated August 14, 2002, and Government Order No. 845-HME of 2002, dated August 26, 2002.“However, these positions were later put on hold under Government Order No. 875, dated September 6, 2002,” she concluded.

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