Govt plans to rope in retired docs to strengthen healthcare in J&K: Sakina

Srinagar, July 01: Minister for Higher Education, Health, and Social Welfare, Sakina Masood Itoo on Tuesday said the J&K government is working on a proposal to engage retired doctors to strengthen and improve healthcare delivery in Jammu and Kashmir.“We are working on a proposal to utilize the services of retired doctors to improve the healthcare delivery in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said on the sidelines of an event on National Doctors Day at SKIMS Soura.She said that the initiative would tap into the experience and expertise of former healthcare professionals to bolster services, particularly in underserved and remote areas.When asked about the initiatives taken to improve healthcare at SKIMS Soura she said many initiatives have been taken by National Conference led government including installation of Linear Accelerator (LINAC), state-of-the-art medical equipment for cancer treatment for SKIMS), Soura and government has enhanced diagnostic facilities and enhances funding.  She said this measure has been taken in that direction and is one among many efforts that the government initiated for enhancing cancer treatment facilities across J&K.“SKIMS Soura witnesses a heavy rush of patients from various regions, with a significant number of referrals for treatment from district and sub district hospitals. We need to further strengthen the institute, and whatever SKIMS requires, we are committed to fulfilling it,” she said.Regarding the vacancies of dental surgeons across hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir, Sakina said that the government is working to fill the vacant positions of dental surgeons.She admitted that there is shortage of consultant/specialist doctors stating that J&K Chief Minister is concerned and particular about the health sector in Jammu and Kashmir and efforts are on to further upgrade it to provide advanced healthcare services to the people.“Health sector is a priority sector for the government and we are determined to provide world-class medical facilities to people here,” the minister said.The Health Minister said that in April the government took a bold decision and ordered repatriation of overstaying doctors at Government Medical Colleges (GMC) in Jammu and Srinagar to improve health care delivery in rural areas.Notably, these doctors were continuing on deputation or tenure postings in GMC Jammu and Srinagar, beyond the maximum prescribed period 04 years for deputation and 03 years for tenure postings without authorization.She said that the government has taken steps to strengthen the health and education departments, which are the prime and priority sectors.“The Chief Minister has extended immense support to us. In his budget speech, the highest allocation was given to the health sector in Jammu and Kashmir,” the minister said.The Health Minister said that Doctors’ Day in India is celebrated to honour Dr. B.C. Roy, a distinguished physician whose legacy continues to inspire generations of medical professionals.“Doctors often work under immense pressure, especially during health crises. Their sacrifices are a true testimony to the nobility of their profession. It is our responsibility to acknowledge and respect their invaluable contributions,” she said.She added, “Let us continue to support and celebrate our doctors. The medical profession is guided by strong ethics and a deep sense of responsibility, and our doctors consistently uphold these values even in the most challenging circumstances.”