Union Health Ministry report highlights critical gaps in healthcare services
647 posts of doctors vacant at PHCs across rural areas
Srinagar, Oct 16: Jammu and Kashmir’s rural hospitals are grappling with a significant shortage of manpower, particularly specialist doctors and paramedical staff, according to the “Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure & Human Resources) 2022-23” report released by the Union Health Ministry.
The report reveals that out of a sanctioned strength of 1,677 doctors and medical officers, only 1,030 are currently in position, leaving 647 posts vacant in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across rural regions. This shortfall is severely impacting healthcare services, placing additional strain on tertiary care hospitals.
Similarly, the report said 104 posts of specialist doctors like surgeons, OB&GU, Physicians and paediatricians are vacant in Community Health Centres in rural areas.
The situation is equally concerning for Community Health Centres (CHCs), where 104 posts for specialist doctors—including surgeons, obstetricians, and paediatricians—remain unfilled. Additionally, the report indicates that J&K has sanctioned 234 posts for radiographers in rural areas, with only 204 currently occupied, leaving 30 vacancies.
In the realm of laboratory services, there is a sanctioned strength of 786 laboratory technicians in PHCs and CHCs, with 643 in position and 143 vacancies. Furthermore, the nursing staff situation reveals a need for 1,254 nurses, with only 836 currently in place and 272 posts unfilled.
The report also highlights the human resource deficiencies in rural sub-centres, which have a sanctioned strength of 4,428 health workers (both male and female). Currently, 4,055 are in position, resulting in 373 vacancies. Similarly, in the peripheral sub-centres, 256 of the 2,070 sanctioned Community Health Officer posts remain unfilled.
The CHCs in rural areas are also facing a critical shortage of anaesthetists. Of the 51 sanctioned positions, only 26 are occupied, leaving 25 vacancies. The situation is similarly dire for General Duty Medical Officers (Allopathic), with 384 of the 484 sanctioned posts filled, and 100 remaining vacant.
PHCs in rural areas have a sanctioned strength of 951, with only 707 filled and 244 vacant. CHCs report 193 sanctioned pharmacist positions, with 146 currently occupied and 47 vacant.
Officials have noted that the lack of healthcare facilities in rural areas forces patients to seek treatment for minor ailments at district or sub-district hospitals, further burdening the healthcare system.
The annual report, formerly known as Rural Health Statistics (RHS), serves as a vital resource for decision-making, policy interventions, and monitoring the status of public health infrastructure and human resources in India. It is expected that the data presented will be utilized by policymakers, programme managers, academicians, researchers, and other stakeholders for effective policy formulation and implementation in the health sector.
