SRINAGAR, Sep 24: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has disclosed that thousands of medical and paramedical positions remain unfilled across the Union Territory’s health institutions. As of Thursday, the government informed the Legislative Assembly that 2,891 posts for Medical Officers and 9,723 positions for paramedics and nurses are vacant.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the figures were provided in response to a query lodged by Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi concerning the state of the health sector. The comprehensive data reveals a substantial deficit in both medical and support staff, impacting the delivery of healthcare services.
To address the immediate staffing needs, the government stated that interim arrangements are being employed. These measures include the engagement of personnel under the National Health Mission (NHM) and appointments on an academic basis, wherever feasible and administratively appropriate, pending the finalization of regular recruitment processes.
Further details indicated that the department has recently received 416 Medical Officers selected by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). Out of these, appointment orders have been issued for 335 candidates. Additionally, 1,567 paramedical and non-gazetted posts have been referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) for the selection of suitable individuals.
In a related development concerning infrastructure, the government provided an update on the 125-bedded District Hospital at Reshipora in Budgam. Construction work is reportedly 70 percent complete, with the project anticipated to conclude by the end of the financial year 2027-28, contingent upon fund availability and the timely execution of remaining tasks. A sum of Rs 13,217.53 lakh has been released for the project, against which Rs 12,336.56 lakh has been expended.
Progress on the 100-bedded Critical Care Unit also at Reshipora was detailed, with work on the Administrative Block (AAC block) underway. The ground and first floors have achieved approximately 95 percent completion each, while the second floor is around 70 percent complete. Various associated works, including plastering, plumbing, and fire-fighting, are in progress. Reinforcement cutting and bending for the third floor columns are also being undertaken.
The data also highlighted specific vacancy figures within key institutions. The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) has 150 vacant Medical Officer posts and 1,216 paramedical/nursing vacancies. The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) reports 967 Medical Officer and 150 paramedical posts vacant, while the Directorate of Health Services Jammu (DHSJ) has 462 Medical Officer and 2,744 paramedical vacancies.
The Directorate of Ayush faces a deficit of 55 Medical Officer and 115 paramedical posts. Among the government medical colleges, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar has 474 Medical Officer and 531 paramedical/nursing vacancies. GMC Anantnag reports 107 vacancies for Medical Officers and 107 for paramedical staff. GMC Baramulla has 62 Medical Officer vacancies and 260 paramedical vacancies, while GMC Handwara lists 134 Medical Officer and 378 paramedical vacancies.
Further breakdown includes GMC Jammu with 150 Medical Officer and 1,216 paramedical/nursing vacancies, and GMC Udhampur with 66 Medical Officer and 1,216 paramedical/nursing vacancies. GMC Rajouri has 32 Medical Officer and 30 paramedical/nursing vacancies. GMC Kathua has 118 Medical Officer and 266 paramedical vacancies, and GMC Doda has 114 Medical Officer and 64 paramedical vacancies.
Regarding study leave, the government clarified that applications are processed under the J&K Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1979, and subsequent amendments. Permissions are granted after verification of eligibility, service particulars, cadre position, and public interest, with conditions related to stipend adjustment and service book entries enforced as per applicable rules.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
