Srinagar, March 10: The Health & Medical Education Department has informed the Jammu and Kashmir Government that District Hospital Kishtwar currently operates as a 100-bedded facility, with an additional 100-bedded block under construction to enhance healthcare services.
The information was provided by the Minister of Health and Medical Education in the Legislative Assembly in response to a starred question raised by MLA Shagun Parihar regarding bed strength of the DH and reasons for not utilizing its full capacity.
The house was informed that at present, District Hospital Kishtwar functions as a 100-bedded hospital. “However, an additional 100-bedded hospital building is under construction, adjoining the existing IPD block,” it said.
In response to a question regarding the absence of a Trauma Centre in Kishtwar District and the steps taken for its establishment, the government stated that all trauma cases are currently being handled by the Emergency Room of DH Kishtwar.
The house was informed that the hospital is staffed with specialist doctors, including surgeons, orthopedic specialists, anesthetists, and physicians, along with medical officers and paramedics.
Additionally, the Emergency Room operates round the clock to manage various emergencies. Cases requiring neurosurgical intervention are referred to GMC Jammu after primary stabilization for further treatment.
The house was further informed that the nearest designated Trauma Care Centre to Kishtwar is situated at Thathri, which is 30 km away.
In response to another question regarding the details of sanctioned posts of Medical Officers and Consultants in DH Kishtwar, along with the vacancy position and steps taken to fill them, the department informed that there are 17 sanctioned Consultant posts, of which 11 are filled, while six remain vacant.
Similarly, out of 22 sanctioned Medical Officer posts, eight are filled, and 14 are vacant. Additionally, there are two sanctioned Dental Surgeon posts, both of which are filled.
The house was told that vacancies due to retirement or promotion are referred to recruiting agencies to make sure that they are able to hire suitable candidates and the maximum allocation of staff according to the sanctioned strength.
The reply stated that in November 2024, 365 Medical Officers were appointed in the J&K Health and Family Welfare (Gazetted) Services. These officers have been posted in far-flung and peripheral health institutes across Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen healthcare facilities at the grassroots level.
Additionally, a waitlist of 91 selected medical officers is being maintained, and their services will also be utilized in underserved areas. Besides, 181 Medical Officer posts are still to be received from the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission. Once the selections are received, doctors will be posted in health institutions facing staff shortages.
