Srinagar, Mar 02: The J&K Health and Medical Education Department has constituted a high-level advisory committee tasked with various responsibilities, including formulation of an action plan for implementing the recommendations put forth by Chawla Committee.
The advisory committee would be headed by former Director SKIMS Dr Ajit Nagpal as its chairperson. The other members of the committee include Major General Prof. (Dr.) Atul Kotwal, SM, VSM, Executive Director, National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), Union Health Ministry, Dr Yashpal Director Coordination, New Govt. Medical Colleges J&K and Dr Anil Kumar Ex MS PGIMER Chandigarh while special/additional secretary to be nominated by the H&ME Department will be member secretary of the committee.
The committee has been tasked to come up with a roadmap for implementation of Chawla Committee recommendations. The committee of medical experts was formed in 2018 after J&K High Court had suggested to assess improvement in working of medical facilities.
The committee took assessment of the improvement in medical facilities and had in 2021 in its report suggested overhaul of major tertiary care hospitals and medical colleges which it said will significantly improve health care services in Jammu and Kashmir.
The advisory committee will also propose comprehensive measures to advance the health sector in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on improved healthcare delivery and outcomes especially concerning primary health-care services.
It will also conduct a detailed analysis of the current budget allocated to the health and medical education sector and suggest measures to enhance the budgetary envelope in line with the WHO recommendations and global standards.
The committee will also assess the existing physical infrastructure in the health sector and formulate recommendations for the expansion and enhancement of healthcare facilities, ensuring accessibility and quality services. It will also provide insights into the modernization of medical facilities, laboratories, and technology integration.
The advisory committee will propose strategies for community involvement in health and medical education to address local health disparities and improve health awareness.
“It will evaluate current state of medical education in J&K, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in curricula, teaching methodologies and research practices,” the order said.
The committee will also identify opportunities for collaboration with reputable medical institutions, fostering knowledge, research partnerships and sharing of best practices.
The committee will examine the issue of private practice by doctors in govt. services and recommend measures for its regulation, along with reviewing and optimizing service conditions for doctors.
The committee has been tasked to explore avenues for seamless integration of medical institutions within the Union Territory, promote synergies and resource optimization. It will further identify and prioritize areas of integration between allopathic and AYUSH sectors in line with National Health Policy, 2017.
About human resource rationalization, the committee will review the availability and distribution of health professionals and medical teachers in Jammu and Kashmir, proposing measures for the rationalization of human resources to address regional disparities.
“It will suggest innovative approaches for seamless integration of technology in healthcare infrastructure, with a focus on improving efficiency, patient care, and data management,” the order said
The committee, which will serve for a term of one year, will also suggest global best practices with reinvention for adoption in the Union Territory.
The committee, which shall be serviced by H&ME Department, will submit recommendations to govt. on quarterly basis and provide overview of proposed measures, advancements and priorities within the health and medical education sector.
