Srinagar, Sep 29 (KNO): The government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the post of Consultant Radiologist at District Hospital Kishtwar is under active consideration of the Health and Medical Education Department, while the construction of the hospital's additional 100-bedded inpatient block has been targeted for completion by December 2026.
In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar, the government, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)said proposals for the promotion of specialists in various disciplines had already been submitted to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for further action.
Regarding the vacant post of Consultant Radiology, the department said the promotion quota proposal was under active consideration. It added that the process of reconciling vacancies was also underway to identify actual lien-free posts available under the direct recruitment quota.
The eligible vacancies, including that of Consultant Radiology, will be referred to the JKPSC for advertisement and selection after the reconciliation process is completed, in accordance with the prescribed recruitment rules.
The question had specifically sought details about filling specialist vacancies on priority, particularly the radiologist's post, to make MRI and other specialised diagnostic services fully functional at the hospital.
On the construction of the additional 100-bedded inpatient department (IPD) block, the government acknowledged that the project had faced considerable delays due to litigation and procedural hurdles.
According to the reply, the project was initially entrusted to the J&K Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) before being transferred to the Public Works Department (PWD) in September 2023.
The pace of construction remained slow as the contractor failed to mobilise adequate resources and carry out the work as required. The department issued notices directing the contractor to resume and expedite construction.
However, the contractor subsequently approached the court and initiated litigation against the PWD, resulting in the suspension of work for a considerable period.
Following the resolution of the legal dispute, the remaining work was re-tendered, and construction resumed in February 2026.
The government said civil works were currently in progress, with completion targeted for December 2026, subject to the availability of funds and site conditions.
It attributed the delay primarily to litigation and procedural constraints, adding that the department was closely monitoring the project to ensure its early completion.
On ambulance services, the government informed the House that District Hospital Kishtwar presently has two 108 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances operated through Bharat Vikas Group Limited, besides four 102 ambulances operated by the department.
However, the four 102 ambulances are nearing the end of their prescribed service life and are due for replacement or decommissioning.
The government said the procurement of new ALS ambulances to replace the existing vehicles would be considered, subject to the availability of funds.
Regarding the demand for increasing the number of 108 ambulances and ensuring round-the-clock availability, the department stated that no such proposal was currently under consideration.
It, however, said the issue raised by the MLA would be examined in due course, keeping in view the prevailing circumstances, relevant facts and applicable rules and policies—(KNO)