Budgam, Dec 14: The Minister for Education and Health, Sakina Itoo, on Saturday said that all vacant positions of doctors in government hospitals will be filled soon, which will enhance patient care in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ministry for Education and Health conducted the tour of Charar-e-Sharief Assembly constituency. She was accompanied by J&K Assembly Speaker Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather and Deputy Commissioner Budgam Akshay Labroo.
Itoo visited Sub District Hospital (SDH) Charar-e-Shareef and interacted with the staff there. She hailed the staff for maintaining the highest level of hygiene at the hospital. “I am glad to see the hospital is clean and credit goes to its staff. The patient care has also been enhanced here,” she said.
Talking to reporters, the Minister said that there is a shortage of doctors in various government hospitals across J&K and she will ensure that all vacant posts of doctors are fulfilled shortly.
“We are working to fill all vacant posts of doctors and paramedics in all government hospitals across J&K,” Itoo said. “This is to address the growing needs of patients in government hospitals. I have sought a report of total vacant posts in government hospitals. I assure you that all posts will be filled soon.”
About the Government Degree College Charar-e-Sharief, she said that it is one of the most beautiful institutions in Kashmir , equipped with all necessary facilities for students. “There is no shortage of faculty but student enrolment remains low, indicating a need for focused attention on this issue,” said Itoo, who is also the Minister for Education.
“We have also inaugurated an indoor sports complex at the college, which was a significant requirement that has now been addressed. The college has adequate land to meet its needs, and we are committed to fulfilling all necessary requirements,” she said.
About a query related to high rates being charged in various government hospitals for tests, she said: “The rates for various tests in government hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir have been reviewed and published in the public domain,” she added.
Itoo further said that numerous complaints have been received from the general public regarding the high fees charged by private testing laboratories for various tests. “We have directed the Commissioner Secretary of the Health Department to investigate this issue and establish standardized rates for tests conducted in private labs, as we have already fixed rates into the government hospitals,” she said, adding that “this initiative aims to ensure that the general public is informed about the costs associated with testing at private facilities.”
