Srinagar, Mar 28 (KNO): Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday informed the Legislative Assembly that no proposal is on cards to redraw medical block boundaries in the Srigufwara–Bijbehara constituency.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Bijbehara Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, the Health Minister as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) informed the House that four Medical Blocks—Bijbehara and Sallar under the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Anantnag, and Qaimoh and Yaripora under CMO Kulgam—are presently overseeing healthcare delivery in the constituency.
She said that while the constituency falls within District Anantnag, certain health institutions such as Jablipora, Arwani, Subhanpora, and Naina-GB Khalil are administratively controlled by Anantnag but function under the supervision of CMO Kulgam through the Yaripora and Qaimoh blocks.
“The Medical Blocks have been constituted based on technical parameters like population density, topography, and accessibility, in line with WHO standards,” the Minister said, adding that there is no current proposal to make these blocks co-terminus with the constituency boundaries.
The Minister, however, acknowledged that the matter was examined following her visit to the area in May 2025. “Although certain administrative anomalies were observed, the Department has decided to focus on improving healthcare delivery through existing mechanisms rather than altering the administrative framework,” she said.
Itoo added that the government is prioritising strengthening healthcare facilities under IPHS-2022 norms and enhancing accessibility through telemedicine services like e-Sanjeevani, operating on a hub-and-spoke model to ensure better outreach, particularly in underserved areas.
Addressing concerns over staff shortages in several health centres—including PHCs and NTPHCs at K-Kalan, Veeri, Kanelwan, Adlash, Naina-GB Khalil, Subhanpora, and Arwani—the Minister said that services are currently being maintained through internal adjustments and rationalisation of available manpower.
“The vacancies of doctors and paramedical staff will be filled on a regular basis after recruitment agencies complete the selection process. Till then, interim arrangements are in place to minimise inconvenience to the public,” she said, adding that no specific timeline can be committed at this stage.
On the functioning of the 110-bedded Trauma Hospital at Bijbehara, the minister stated that out of eight sanctioned consultant posts, four are filled, while both sanctioned Medical Officer posts are in place. Of the 24 sanctioned paramedical posts, 11 have been filled so far.
To bridge the gaps, she said, 480 Medical Officer posts have already been referred to the J&K Public Service Commission for recruitment, while 802 non-gazetted posts, including paramedical staff, are under consideration for referral to the J&K Services Selection Board, subject to financial concurrence.
“These steps are being actively pursued to make the Bijbehara Trauma Hospital fully operational at the earliest and to strengthen overall healthcare delivery in the constituency,” she added—(KNO)