Srinagar, Mar 20: The Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department has informed the Jammu and Kashmir government that the Emergency Hospital, Vijaypur, is operational and adequately staffed with both medical and paramedical staff.
The information was provided in the Legislative Assembly in response to a starred question raised by MLA Chander Prakash Ganga regarding steps taken to fill up these vacancies.
Responding to a question on vacant posts of Medical and Paramedical staff in Accidental Hospital, Vijaypur and steps taken to fill up vacancies, the house clarified that the correct name of the hospital is Emergency Hospital, Vijaypur, and not Accidental Hospital, Vijaypur.
“The Emergency Hospital, Vijaypur, is operational and adequately staffed with both medical and paramedical staff. Out of 24 sanctioned posts of doctors, 13 are in position, which includes Consultants and Medical Officers. About Paramedics, out of 33 sanctioned posts of Paramedics, 25 are in position,” the government said, adding that two more doctors and 10 Paramedics from the National Health Mission (NHM) have also been posted in the hospital further strengthening healthcare services in the area.
Furthermore, recently, 365 selected candidates were appointed as Medical Officers in the J&K Health & Family Welfare (Gazetted) Services, out of which 10 doctors were posted in District Samba to strengthen healthcare services at the grassroots level.
The house was informed that with regard to filling up vacant posts of Medical Officers, it is important to highlight that the selection process for 181 Medical Officer posts is still underway with the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). “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 deployed to under-served areas across Jammu and Kashmir, further strengthening healthcare where it is most needed.
Moreover, 292 vacancies in the non-gazetted/paramedical category from the Directorate of Family Welfare, Maternity and Child Health (MCH), and Immunisation, J&K, and 290 vacancies in the non-gazetted/paramedical category from the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, have been referred to J&KSSB for recruitment which strengthens the healthcare system in under-served areas.
Replying to another query Surgery Unit in the aforesaid hospital and steps being taken to ensure its functionality round the clock, the government clarified that the Surgery Unit at the aforementioned hospital was functioning optimally until October 2024.
However, due to the unfortunate suspension of the concerned doctor, surgical procedures have temporarily been halted. “This was a matter beyond the control of the department, and the department acknowledges the inconvenience it may have caused to the patients.”
The government said the department is fully committed to ensuring the restoration of 24/7 functionality in the Surgery Unit and is actively addressing this issue through the ongoing selection process, which is under process in the JKPSC.
It further said once the new appointments are made, a significant improvement in service delivery could be anticipated, including the restoration of full surgical operations. “The department’s priority is to maintain the highest level of healthcare standards and patient care. All necessary steps shall be taken to ensure the Surgery Unit functions round the clock as soon as possible,” it added.
