Srinagar, Mar 15 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said that the health department is not encouraging the attachment of doctors while it is being done in rare cases under an urgent basis.
Replying to the question of MLA Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Health and Medical Education Department Minister Sakina Itoo as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the H&ME Department does not encourage attachments of doctors and instead, it is making every effort to ensure healthcare services are provided in all areas of J&K, including far-flung and underserved regions.
“This is evident from the recent appointment of 365 medical officers, who have been posted to remote and underserved areas facing doctor shortages. The department is committed to providing healthcare in every corner of the UT. However, in rare and exceptional cases, doctors may be temporarily deployed to other health institutions where there is an urgent need for medical staff. Such deployments occur when there is a shortage of doctors or when healthcare facilities experience an unexpected surge in patients." Sakina Itoo said.
“These temporary deployments are made to ensure that healthcare services remain uninterrupted and critical care is available where most needed,” Sakina said.
“Furthermore, in some instances, deployments are made due to compelling personal circumstances of the doctor (mostly on health grounds). This may involve internal adjustments in the staffing arrangement to accommodate the needs of the healthcare professionals. Such adjustments are made with consideration for the well-being of the doctors, allowing them to continue serving in a way that does not affect their personal situations while still contributing to the overall healthcare system,” She added.
Replying to another question of MLA Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo, Sakina Itoo said that in compliance to Govt. Order No: 628-HME of 2016 dated: 03-12-2016 NTPHC Barzulla was relocated to MMC Sanat Nagar Srinagar along with assets and manpower where it is presently functional. The working hours the Centre are in line with other institutions i.e from 10.00 A.M to 4.30 PM.
“The machinery and equipment of MMC Sanat Nagar especially theater and lab belongings have been shifted to PHC Chanapora. The MMC Sanat Nagar is functioning with G+1 Structure. Presently, OPD & Immunization facility is being provided in the Ground Floor of the building, with the first floor of the building housing Youth rehabilitation and Mental Health Care facility,” she said, adding that 22 posts are lying vacant at MMC Sanat Nagar—(KNO)