Srinagar, Oct 27 (KNO): The Health and Medical Education Minister, Sakina Itoo on Monday informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that a total of 10,555 medical and paramedical posts are currently lying vacant across the Union Territory in various healthcare institutions, including the Directorates of Health Services in Kashmir and Jammu divisions, as well as Government Medical Colleges (GMCs).
The revelation, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) came through a question raised by MLA Shakti Raj Parihar, who sought details about the staff shortage and its impact on healthcare delivery across the Union Territory.
Sakina Itoo informed the House that 5,718 posts are vacant in the Directorates of Health Services of both Kashmir and Jammu, severely affecting patient care, particularly in rural and hilly areas.
In the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK), a total of 3,738 posts are lying vacant that includes 8 medical and 179 paramedical posts in Srinagar, Ganderbal: 30 and 180, Budgam: 41 and 954, Pulwama: 36 and 274, Baramulla: 97 and 356, Bandipora: 19 and 110, Kulgam: 32 and 288, Shopian: 10 and 100, Anantnag: 46 and 364 and 161 and 453 in Kupwara.
Similarly, in the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu (DHSJ), 1,980 posts remain vacant. The breakup includes Jammu: 79, Doda: 64 medical and 89 paramedical, Kathua: 96 and 125, Kishtwar: 38 and 75, Ramban: 48 and 67, Rajouri: 85 and 171, Reasi: 55 and 72, Poonch: 100 and 142, Samba: 56 and 98 and 54 and 96 in Udhampur.
The Minister further stated that 4,837 posts are lying vacant in the nine Government Medical Colleges of the Union Territory.
The vacancies include 1761 in GMC Jammu, GMC Kathua: 349, GMC Doda: 292, GMC Rajouri: 191, GMC Udhampur: 960, GMC Srinagar: 573, GMC Anantnag: 192, GMC Baramulla: 163 and 356 in GMC Handwara.
The Minister assured the House that the government is aware of the shortfall and that the recruitment process for filling these posts is under active consideration.
“The department is taking all necessary steps to fill the vacant positions in a phased manner. Recruitment is being done through various recruiting agencies including the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Services Selection Board (JKSSB),” she said.
Sakina Itoo added that the government is prioritizing critical care areas such as emergency services, maternal health, and diagnostics to ensure that healthcare delivery is not compromised—(KNO)