Nearly 300 positions vacant at GMC Doda, referred to JKPSC: Govt

Srinagar, March 15: The Health and Medical Education Department has informed the Jammu and Kashmir Government that nearly 300 positions are vacant at Government Medical College Doda.
The information was provided by the department in the Legislative Assembly in response to a starred question raised by MLA Sajjad Shaheen on shortage of staff and other infrastructure issues at the new medical college.
The house was informed that there are 267 sanctioned gazetted posts, out of which 144 are filled, while 123 remain vacant. Similarly, there are 432 sanctioned non-gazetted posts, with 306 in position and 126 vacant. Likewise, the medical college has 117 sanctioned MTS positions, of which 70 are filled, and 47 are vacant.
The medical college was established by Health Ministry under Centrally Sponsored Scheme establishment of new Medical Colleges attached with existing referral/district Hospitals.
“GMC Doda has infrastructure and staff in place to function smoothly. However, as in the case of any new Medical College, there is room for further improvement. Considerable efforts have been put in to improve the infrastructure,” the reply said.
With regard to staff, the government was informed that all vacant faculty posts stand referred to the JKPSC for advertisement and selection of suitable candidates.
“Besides, faculty is being engaged on academic arrangement basis in terms of SO 364 of 2020, dated 27.11.2020, to meet the shortfall, if any. Also, Consultants/Sr. Consultants of Health Gazetted Services are also being deputed to GMC Doda on standard terms and conditions of deputation for utilization of their services in various departments. Further, recruitment to vacant non-gazetted posts in respect of GMC Doda is under consideration,” it said.
The house was also informed that cost of civil works in respect of GMC Doda has been revised from Rs 139.00 Crore to Rs 164.90 Crore with prior approval from the Administrative Council enabling the completion of balance works of the GMC.
It said that the balance cost of the project is being provided under the Capex Budget as the full central share has already been released by the MOH&FW, GoI.
“During the current financial year, an amount of Rs 9.50 Crore has been earmarked under the Capex Budget 2024-25, against which Rs 7.60 Crore has been released and Rs. 1.65 Crore incurred,” it said.
The house was informed the GMC Doda has two functional CT Scan machines and one functional Fibroscan machine (Echosens 630) in its associated hospital, while the MRI not available.
In response to a question on steps taken to start PG MD/MS courses the reply said PG/MD/MS courses are not being offered currently in GMC Doda. However, it intends to start PG/MD/MS courses in broad specialties from the academic year 2027-28.
It further said moreover DNB Courses are being offered in the disciplines of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Orthopedics in GMC Doda.