Srinagar, Sep 28 (KNO): The government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that it has referred 1238 posts in the Health and Medical Education Department to recruitment agencies in the recent past.
In a written reply to a question by MLA Wagoora-Kreeri Irfan Hafiz Lone, the government, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), informed the house that 480 Medical Officer (Allopathic) posts were referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). Of these, 416 candidates were recommended and 335 have been appointed. The doctors are being deployed in peripheral, underserved and far-flung areas as per administrative requirements.
It further said 466 non-gazetted posts were referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), while another 292 non-gazetted posts under the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, including MCH and Immunisation wings, have also been referred for recruitment.
According to the government, the recruitment drive is aimed at addressing staff shortages and improving healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved areas. It added that the National Health Mission (NHM) continues to supplement manpower through various approved programmes.
On healthcare infrastructure in Wagoora-Kreeri, the government said the constituency's population of 90,781 is served by 19 health institutions, including one CHC, two PHCs, three NTPHCs and 13 Sub-Centres. Eleven facilities operate from government-owned buildings, while eight Sub-Centres function from rented accommodation.
CONSTRUCTION OF SDH KREERI, ESTIMATED AT RS 5 CRORE
The government said construction of SDH Kreeri, estimated at Rs 5 crore, is underway and has been prioritised under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.
It said strengthening of the Rural Health Training Centre (RHTC) Kalantra, along with construction of a boundary wall, has been completed at a cost of Rs 1.99 crore. The Sub-Centre Wagoora building has also been completed at a cost of Rs 1.95 crore, while construction of the Sub-Centre at Authora Kreeri is being executed under the District Sector at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh.
Repair and improvement works at NTPHC Baba Reshi have been completed at a cost of Rs 10 lakh. Land has been identified for NTPHC Resraipora, while construction of a Health and Wellness Centre at Chineed is underway at an estimated cost of Rs 50 lakh.
NO UPGRADATION OF HEALTH FACILITY AT WAGOORA TO PHC
Rejecting the demand for upgradation of the health facility at Wagoora to a PHC, the government said it does not qualify under IPHS-2022 norms. It noted that Wagoora is situated within accessible distance of SDH Kreeri, PHC Kalantra, NTPHC K. Mugam, PHC Shrakwara and District Hospital Baramulla.
The government also informed the House that several infrastructure projects are under execution at SDH Sopore, including mechanical works, balance civil works, upgradation of the Drug Treatment Centre and construction of doctors' residential quarters.
For the balance civil and mechanical works, Rs 3.90 crore has been approved, of which Rs 90.88 lakh had been spent by March 31, 2026. An additional Rs 2 crore has been approved under the 2026-27 budget. Mechanical works under UT Capex have an approved cost of Rs 4.04 crore, with expenditure of Rs 2.64 crore incurred till March-end 2026.
The government said Rs 60.53 lakh has been earmarked for upgradation of infrastructure at the Drug Treatment Centre, while Rs 2.30 crore has been approved for construction of doctors' quarters at SDH Sopore.
RS 32 CRORE EARMARKED FOR GMC BARAMULLA
Regarding GMC Baramulla, the government said Rs 32 crore has been earmarked under the 2026-27 Capex Budget for procurement of machinery and equipment, including a Cath Lab and a 1.5 Tesla MRI machine. Both procurements are being processed through the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL).
An additional Rs 80.58 lakh has been earmarked for urgent procurement of essential equipment to strengthen patient care and diagnostic services.
The government said a proposal seeking additional land for expansion of GMC Baramulla is under consideration with the Industries and Commerce Department and the district administration.
It also said a DPR worth Rs 15.98 crore for strengthening and upgrading the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at GMC Baramulla has been forwarded to the Engineer-in-Chief, R&B Department, for technical vetting of cost estimates—(KNO)