Over 1,800 vacancies referred to PSC, JKSSB: Govt

• By Mansoor Peer
• Comments 0
• 04 Apr 2026

Says comprehensive plan in place to strengthen health sector

Srinagar, Apr 04: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday said it has referred over 1,800 vacancies to recruitment agencies and formulated a comprehensive plan to strengthen the health sector across the Union Territory.

In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Dr Sunil Bhardwaj, the government informed the House that 834 gazetted posts have been referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), while 1,025 non-gazetted posts have been referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB).

The government said that since assuming office, it has undertaken measures to improve healthcare delivery, including expansion and upgradation of hospital infrastructure and strengthening of human resources.

It said infrastructure is being augmented across districts, with a focus on newly established medical colleges and nursing institutions to enhance training capacity.

“Recruitment drives have also been accelerated, with more than 480 posts of Medical Officers already referred to the JKPSC, while additional manpower is being engaged through contractual hiring under the National Health Mission (NHM) and on an academic arrangement basis to address immediate shortages.”

The government further highlighted integration of digital health services, including e-Sanjeevani teleconsultation, to improve accessibility. These initiatives are aligned with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It also noted that targeted public health programmes, such as tuberculosis elimination by 2025 and strengthening immunisation under Mission Indradhanush, are being pursued.

Despite these measures, the government acknowledged shortages of medical and paramedical staff in certain institutions. It attributed the gaps to limited availability of specialists, delays in recruitment, migration of skilled professionals and reluctance of staff to serve in remote areas.

To address these challenges, the government said it is implementing measures such as hardship allowances, incentives for rural postings, fast-track recruitment and rationalisation of manpower. Capacity building through establishment of new medical colleges and paramedical institutes is also being prioritised.

Additionally, the government said 802 non-gazetted posts under the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir and 608 posts under the Directorate of Health Services Jammu are under consideration and will be referred to the JKSSB after approvals. It added that vacancies in Government Medical Colleges are being temporarily filled under academic arrangements in accordance with S.O. 364 of 2020.

On infrastructure, the government said a review of all Government Medical Colleges and associated hospitals has been conducted. While many institutions are adequately equipped, some newly established colleges continue to face deficiencies in hostels, laboratories, diagnostic services and specialised equipment.

Efforts are underway to bridge these gaps through centrally sponsored schemes such as PMSSY and NHM, as well as UT-funded initiatives. Projects involving construction of additional teaching blocks, hospital expansion and procurement of modern equipment are in progress, with priority for National Medical Commission recognition and improved patient care.

The government further said a multi-pronged strategy is being adopted to upgrade healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas. Major projects include construction of new blocks at GMCs in Srinagar, Rajouri, Baramulla and Kathua, along with critical care and laboratory facilities at SKIMS Bemina.

Equipment upgrades are also being carried out, with GMC Srinagar adding machinery worth around ₹10 crore annually, while other institutions are procuring advanced diagnostic tools such as CT scans and high-end ultrasound systems.

Among future initiatives, the government has proposed introduction of robotic surgery at GMC Srinagar and GMC Jammu, establishment of dental units in all GMCs, and setting up of Cath Labs at GMC Baramulla and GMC Doda. PET-scan facilities will be expanded to remaining colleges by 2026–27, while dialysis services will be extended to all SDHs and CHCs.

The plan also includes deployment of 50 AI-enabled X-ray machines, completion of critical care and public health infrastructure under PM-ABHIM, and expansion of nursing manpower to improve outreach.