Srinagar, Mar 17: The Health and Medical Education Department has informed the Jammu and Kashmir Govt. that the department acknowledges the concerns regarding staff positions at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Akhnoor and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in the Akhnoor constituency.
The information was provided by the department in the Legislative Assembly in response to a starred question raised by MLA Mohan Lal Bhagat on total sanctioned strength of doctors in SDH Akhnoor and affiliated PHCs.
“The department acknowledges the concerns regarding staff positions at SDH Akhnoor and PHCs in the Akhnoor constituency and would like to provide a detailed explanation of the present staffing situation and the steps being taken to address it,” the house was informed.
At SDH Akhnoor, there are 32 sanctioned posts for doctors, out of which 25 posts are filled. The department is actively working to address vacancies by facilitating the recruitment process and improving overall healthcare delivery in the region.
The department said in PHCs of Akhnoor constituency, there are 37 sanctioned posts for doctors, with 17 doctors presently working.
To strengthen healthcare services in the area, 12 doctors have been deployed under the National Health Mission (NHM) to work across SDHs, PHCs, CHCs, and wellness centers in the Akhnoor block.
“This additional support significantly enhances the healthcare infrastructure and ensures that services continue to be provided to the community, despite the existing vacancies.”
The house was informed that the selection process for 181 Medical Officers is still underway with the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and once the selections are received, the appointed doctors will be assigned to health institutions experiencing severe staff shortages.
In addition to this, the department is also in the process of operating the waitlist for 91 selected Medical Officers. These selectees will be posted in under-served areas across Jammu and Kashmir, further strengthening healthcare delivery where it is most needed.
Moreover, 292 vacancies in the non-gazetted/paramedical category from Directorate of Family Welfare, Maternity and Child Health (MCH), and Immunization, J&K, and 290 vacancies in the non-gazetted/paramedical category from Directorate of Health Services, Jammu have been referred to J&KSSB for recruitment which will enhance and strengthen the healthcare system in under-served areas.