Srinagar, Mar 11 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government said on Tuesday that more than 90 posts of doctors and paramedics remain vacant in various health institutions of the Shopian Constituency.
Responding to a question from MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that Rs 89 lakh, Rs 140 lakh and Rs 50 lakh were incurred for the construction of health institutions in Shopian under District Capex and JKIDFC in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively.
She said vacancies exist in various healthcare facilities, including District Hospital Shopian, CHC Keller, PHC Sedow, PHC Tukroo, PHC Vehil, and other NTPHCs and sub-centres. "There are 153 sanctioned posts under NHM, of which 142 are currently filled, including one specialist, ten medical officers, four AYUSH doctors, 45 nurses and 56 paramedics," she said, adding that the revised selection criteria for NHM staff is currently under consideration, and the vacant positions will be filled once the new criteria are finalised.
Itoo said health institutions in Shopian are functioning smoothly, with patient care being prioritised. She said staffing issues are being addressed through internal adjustments and NHM recruitment, adding that vacancies under direct recruitment quotas (including those in Shopian) are regularly referred to recruiting agencies.
"The vacant positions under the promotion quota (gazetted) are under consultation with the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and will be filled as soon as all formalities are completed," the minister said.
Responding to a separate query from MLA Mubarak Gul, the Health Minister clarified that there is no under-construction Mother & Child Care Hospital (MCCH) in Eidgah Constituency. However, the Mini Maternity Centre (MMC) Noorbagh is functional and offers antenatal care, immunization, family planning services and screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), she said.
Regarding the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Palpora, Itoo said that Phase I of its construction, which started in 2011-12, is completed except for some internal finishing works. Following the reorganisation of the PW(R&B) Department, the project was transferred from JKPCC to the respective PW(R&B) wing, which has since prepared a revised DPR for the completion of Phase I and execution of Phase II, she said, adding that the funds for Phase II have been projected under the District Capex Budget, and PHC Palpora will be shifted from its old NTPHC building once the finishing works are completed.
Addressing concerns about PHC Sangam, the minister said there is no under-construction building at the site. However, the PHC Sangam building, completed at a cost of Rs 153 lakh, has been occupied by SDPO Sangam since April 2022, she said.
The Health Minister said the matter has been raised multiple times with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, with requests made to evacuate the security forces from the building. Letters have been sent by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Srinagar on January 3, 2025 (CMO/Sgr/Mic/7862-64) and February 28, 2025 (CMOS/P&S/2024-25/8948-50). The Director of Health Services is personally following up on the issue with the DC Srinagar, she said.
"Once the building is vacated by the security forces, the necessary repair, renovation, and facelift works will be undertaken to make it operational for hospital usage," the minister assured—(KNO)