Srinagar, Sep 28 (KNO): The Government on Monday said it has earmarked Rs 1.44 crore for strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the Lolab Assembly constituency during 2026-27, while acknowledging a significant manpower shortage in health institutions across the remote area.
The information, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), was shared by the Health and Medical Education Department in reply to a question by MLA Qaysar Jamshaid Lone in the Legislative Assembly.
The government said Rs 144.40 lakh has been allocated under UT and District Capex for 2026-27, including Rs 105.61 lakh under UT Capex and Rs 38.79 lakh under District Capex.
Admitting challenges in healthcare delivery in remote and underserved areas, the department said efforts are underway to augment infrastructure and manpower.
On staffing, the government said appointment orders have been issued for 335 of the 416 Medical Officers (Allopathic) recently selected, while 27 Medical Officers (AYUSH) have also been appointed. The doctors will be deployed based on institutional requirements, with priority to far-flung, underserved and staff-deficient areas.
It further said 466 paramedical posts under the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, and 292 posts under the Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunisation have been referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) for recruitment.
According to the department, against 219 sanctioned medical and paramedical posts in Lolab, only 120 are currently filled. However, 112 personnel engaged under the National Health Mission (NHM) are supplementing healthcare services in the constituency.
To strengthen specialist care at peripheral hospitals, the government said it is undertaking rationalisation and redeployment of available specialists and utilising manpower under NHM and other centrally sponsored schemes. Telemedicine and e-Sanjeevani services are also being used to improve access to expert consultations.
The government said PHC Machil has been provided a 4x4 ambulance under MPLAD, while a Mobile Dental Unit has been approved under the 2026-27 Capex Budget for the Keran and Machil sectors.
It added that patients requiring specialised investigations and treatment are being referred to GMC Handwara and tertiary-care hospitals in Srinagar, while healthcare needs of the constituency are being regularly reviewed to strengthen infrastructure, manpower and equipment—(KNO)