Srinagar, Mar 08 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said that 65 gazetted and 122 non-gazetted posts remain vacant at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri.
Responding to a question from MLA Budhal, Javid Iqbal Choudhary, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo said the sanctioned strength of gazetted posts at GMC Rajouri is 119, out of which 55 positions are currently filled, leaving 64 vacant. She said that out of the 415 sanctioned non-gazetted posts, 293 are in position, while 122 remain vacant.
"All vacant teaching faculty posts have been referred to the J&K Public Service Commission (J&KPSC) for advertisement and selection of suitable candidates. The vacant positions are regularly filled on an academic arrangement basis in terms of SO 364 of 2020, dated 27.11.2020, to address faculty shortages in various disciplines. Regarding non-gazetted vacancies, the matter is under active consideration within the department," Itoo said.
Responding to a question from MLA Zainapora, Showkat Ganaie, the minister informed that J&K currently has 554 NTPHCs (New Type Primary Health Centres) operating across the Union Territory. She, however, said no new creations or upgradations are planned at present.
The minister said J&K is focusing on consolidating its existing healthcare facilities, given that more than 4,200 health institutions at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels already exist.
According to a report by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, J&K ranks among the top regions in the country in terms of healthcare institution density.
"Future creations or upgradations will be considered once the austerity measures imposed under Government Order No. 17-F of 2024, dated 15.01.2024, are withdrawn. To address critical gaps, the department aims to strengthen the existing healthcare facilities in accordance with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms. Efforts are also being made to expand e-Sanjeevani and telemedicine services through a well-designed hub-and-spoke model," Itoo said.
The minister said that the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) serve as benchmarks for the creation and upgradation of health facilities. While IPHS 2012 was previously in use, the current standard is IPHS 2022, which serves as the primary guideline for any future healthcare infrastructure development, she added.
Responding to a query from MLA Pattan, Javid Riyaz regarding the staffing situation in the Health Department in Pattan constituency, the health minister said that out of 171 sanctioned positions, 139 are currently filled, while 32, including two gazetted and 30 non-gazetted posts, remain vacant—(KNO)