Srinagar, Apr 09 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government has reserved four key surgical procedures exclusively for public hospitals, aiming to enhance transparency, reduce unnecessary medical interventions and curb malpractice under the Ayushman Bharat/PM-JAY scheme.
Responding to a query raised by MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), informed the Assembly that the government has decided to reserve cholecystectomy, laparoscopic hemorrhoidectomy, appendectomy and fissure-in-ano surgeries for public sector hospitals only.
“This decision follows an advisory (Anti-Fraud Advisory No. 17, dated 29 June 2020) issued by the National Health Authority (NHA), which flagged instances of fraudulent and unnecessary procedures being carried out in private hospitals. By restricting these surgeries to public hospitals, the government aims to ensure ethical medical practices, quality treatment and safeguard beneficiaries from exploitation,” the minister said.
She said this move is in line with similar best practices adopted across various States and Union Territories and further strengthens patient safety protocols.
Public hospitals in J&K have already demonstrated their capacity, having successfully delivered 55% of total treatments under the PM-JAY scheme, including numerous surgical interventions, Itoo said, adding that this performance affirms their ability to manage the newly reserved procedures, ensuring that patients continue to receive safe and quality care without risk of overtreatment.
Responding to another query by MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi, the Deputy Chief Minister—also holding charge of the Skill Development Department—clarified that there are no plans to establish a separate polytechnic college in Qazigund.
He said the government has already set up 18 new polytechnics across Jammu and Kashmir to bridge the technical education gap in previously uncovered districts. “One such Polytechnic has already been established in District Anantnag, which is offering three-year diploma courses in three engineering disciplines. The institute is equipped with infrastructure compliant with AICTE norms and currently has an intake capacity of 150 students,” he said.
While the current dropout rate in the Anantnag Polytechnic ranges between 12% to 15%, the Deputy CM highlighted its proximity to Qazigund (12–15 km), making it a convenient and practical option for students from the area.
“Given this accessibility and existing infrastructure, establishing another polytechnic in Qazigund is not considered viable at this time,” the Deputy CM said—(KNO)