Staff shortage persists in Kreeri, Sheeri medical blocks in B’la

Srinagar, Mar 18: The Health and Medical Education Department has informed the Jammu and Kashmir government about the persistent shortage of manpower in the medical blocks of Kreeri and Sheeri, emphasizing the urgent need for recruitment and resource allocation to ensure efficient healthcare services.
The information was provided in the Legislative Assembly in response to a starred question raised by MLA Baramulla, Javid Hassan Beig, regarding the total sanctioned strength of doctors in these twin medical blocks.
In response to a query on the number and functional status of healthcare institutions, the government stated that there are no Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) in the Kreeri and Sheeri medical blocks.
However, these blocks have 2 Community Health Centers (CHCs), 6 Primary Health Centers (PHCs), 8 New Type PHCs (NTPHCs), 40 Sub-Centers, and 1 Urban Primary Health Center (UPHC), all of which are fully functional.
The government also confirmed that all these health institutions in Block Sheeri and Block Kreeri are fully functional.
Regarding the sanctioned and existing staff strength in hospitals, the response revealed that in the Kreeri Medical Block, there are 40 sanctioned gazetted staff (regular side) with 29 in position and 11 vacant, 117 sanctioned non-gazetted staff with 92 in position and 25 vacant, and 53 sanctioned NHM staff with 49 in position and 4 vacant.
In the Sheeri Medical Block, there are 39 sanctioned gazetted staff with 28 in position and 11 vacant, and 225 sanctioned non-gazetted staff with 144 in position and 81 vacant.
Responding to a question about infrastructure development in these health institutions, the government stated that the provision of requisite facilities, including medical equipment and other allied services, is an ongoing process.
“The process is undertaken in a phased manner, subject to budgetary provisions and fund availability. Any shortages will be addressed in accordance with IPHS norms and budget allocations,” the reply said.
On the status of land acquisition for CHC Chandoosa and PHC Laridora, the Health Department informed that the land acquisition for CHC Chandoosa is still under process. The matter has been taken up with the Revenue authorities to identify suitable state land.
Regarding land compensation for PHC Laridora, it was revealed that in 2021-22, an amount of Rs. 8.00 lakhs was released on March 19, 2022, for the land compensation case of NTPHC Laridora. The funds were placed at the disposal of the District Development Commissioner, Baramulla but could not be paid to the landowner due to the financial year’s closure, leading to a lapse of funds.
However, despite the financial hurdle, the construction of NTPHC Laridora was completed, and the health facility has been operational in its newly constructed building since September 2024.