64 posts vacant in health deptt in Pattan: Health minister

Srinagar, March 08: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said that 64 sanctioned posts in Pattan Constituency of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district are still vacant. The figures were revealed in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in response to Starred A.Q No. 629 tabled by MLA Pattan Javid Riyaz.
In a written reply, The Minister Incharge of Health & Medical Education Department Sakina Itoo presented detailed figures regarding the sanctioned and in-position staff strength in hospitals, dispensaries, and New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs) in the constituency.
According to the official data, a total of 171 posts have been sanctioned across various healthcare institutions, but only 139 positions are currently filled, leaving 32 vacancies unoccupied.
Breaking down the figures further, 34 gazetted posts were sanctioned, with only 32 filled, leaving two positions vacant. Similarly, 137 non-gazetted posts were approved, out of which 107 are occupied, while 30 remain vacant.
Meanwhile, staff shortage in the healthcare sector of Pattan has raised concerns over the effective functioning of medical facilities and the quality of healthcare services provided to the residents.
MLA Javid Riyaz highlighted the urgent need for the government to expedite the recruitment process and fill the vacancies to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services. The government, however, has not outlined a specific timeline for addressing the staffing shortages.
Javid told Rising Kashmir that the issue of vacant posts has been a recurring challenge in the region, affecting patient care and overall medical infrastructure.
“I am committed to development and the need for a unified approach to address the pressing needs of the constituency,” he said.
MLA further said that they are dedicated to ensuring that Pattan’s growth is prioritized. To achieve this, it is essential that all departments work in harmony, focusing on critical areas such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and employment generation,” he added.