Srinagar, Apr 07: The Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department has informed the Jammu and Kashmir government that the vacant posts of doctors and paramedical staff at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Surankote are being referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC).
The information was shared in the Legislative Assembly in response to a starred question by MLA Choudhary Mohammad Akram concerning the shortage of medical staff in healthcare units.
Providing details on the staffing situation, the House was informed that out of 33 sanctioned posts for Medical Officers at SDH Surankote, only 11 are currently filled. Similarly, 110 out of 157 sanctioned paramedical posts are occupied. In addition, four doctors and 16 paramedics have been deployed under the National Health Mission (NHM).
The reply emphasized that addressing staff shortages in remote and underserved areas remains a key priority for the government.
“In November 2024, 365 Medical Officers were appointed under the J&K Health & Family Welfare (Gazetted) Services. Of these, six were posted in District Poonch to strengthen healthcare services in far-flung and peripheral health institutions,” the department stated.
It also informed the House that the department is in the process of operating a waitlist of 91 selected Medical Officers, whose services will be utilized to further bolster healthcare delivery in underserved areas.
“Furthermore, 181 Medical Officer posts are still awaited from the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission,” the reply added.
On the specific issue of the vacant anesthetist position at SDH Surankote, which has remained unfilled for the past two years, the department said the post, along with other specialist positions, is being referred to the recruiting agencies, including JKPSC.
“In the interim, to manage the shortage, specialists and consultants are being deployed on a rotational basis at SDH Surankote. Once the selection panel is received, these posts will be filled on a priority basis,” the reply assured.
Responding to another query about the establishment of Ayush Health and Wellness Centres, Drug De-addiction Centres, and Yoga Centres in the Surankote constituency, the department informed that five Ayush Health & Wellness Centres are currently operational in the area. Yoga instructors will soon be deployed under the National Ayush Mission (NAM) to conduct yoga and meditation sessions.
“However, there is currently no provision under NAM for establishing Drug De-addiction Centres in the Surankote constituency,” the department said.
