Srinagar, Nov 06: The Health Department Kashmir has established a divisional academic cell for the smooth functioning for DNB program across hospitals in the valley.
Spokesperson, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mir Mushtaq said the decision has been taken in the interest of the administration and to ensure the smooth functioning of DNB program in district, sub-district hospitals and community health centres.
The department has assigned the job to officers/officials to look after the postgraduate programs under the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) at the Divisional level in addition to their own duties.
As per an order of the health department, the officials who have been given the task include Dr Shabeena, Assistant Director (DHSK), Dr Mir Mushtaq Nodal Officer, NTCP (DHSK), Dr Irfan Shams ENT Consultant, DH Pulwama, Abdul Rouf Sheikh Sr. Assistant (Gazetted Section DHSK), Muhammad Ashraf Sr. Assistant (Non-Gazetted Section) and Mehdi Hussain Budget & Finance Officer (NHM).
Officials said that the Assistant Director shall head of the Academic cell at division level and will be the single point of contact for all DNB related queries and will update department regarding the progress of program on regular basis.
Pertinent, the DNB courses have been introduced in District, Sub District Hospitals and new Medical Colleges besides old GMCs and SKIMS in order to strengthen the institutions, decongest the Govt. Medical Colleges and address shortage of specialists in hospitals.
A historic surge has been witnessed in the number of DNB seats in hospitals and medical colleges. The count began with a mere 04 seats in 2018-19 but underwent a remarkable transformation, escalating to 20 seats in 2019-20 and further surging to 34 seats in 2020-21.
Subsequently, the expansion gained unprecedented momentum, reaching an impressive 143 seats in 2021-22, and ultimately culminating in an extraordinary count of 178 seats in the academic year 2022-23. This unprecedented increase in DNB seats highlights the commitment to specialized medical education, opening new horizons for aspiring medical professionals.
