Srinagar, Apr 07 (KNO): There are 270 posts of Assistant Surgeons and 1,590 posts of paramedics lying vacant in the Health Department in the Kashmir Division, the government said on Monday.
Responding to a question by MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani, Health and Medical Education Department Minister Sakina Itoo, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the department is in the process of establishing dialysis units at all Community Health Centres (CHCs).
She added that dialysis units will be established at the CHCs of Magam and Beerwah (in Budgam district) in a phased manner.
“Out of the total sanctioned strength of 1,736 Assistant Surgeons, 1,466 are in position and 270 are lying vacant in Kashmir. Regarding paramedical staff, out of the 4,218 sanctioned strength, 2,628 are in position and 1,590 are vacant,” Itoo said.
The minister said that the vacancy of medical officers filled during the last two years by way of appointment includes 52 appointments in 2023 and 226 appointments in 2024.
“The upgradation of health centres/institutes is taken up in accordance with the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms. Feasibility reports are sought from concerned quarters, and if the reports are in sync with the IPHS norms, proposals will be considered,” she said.
Replying to a question by MLA Saif Uddin Bhat, Omar Abdullah, who is the Minister in charge of Tourism, said the revision/formulation of master plans for Tourism Development Authorities, including Doodhpathri and Tosamaidan Development Authorities, is presently under consideration in the department.
“The Tourism Department has constructed food courts and kiosks in Doodhpathri for the convenience of tourists, which have been outsourced,” he said.
“The department has not constructed any Yatri Niwas buildings at Raithan, Raiyar, Doodhpathri, and Sitaharan Tosamaidan. However, certain accommodation facilities have been created at Doodhpathri and Tosamaidan by the Development Authority for the facilitation of tourists,” he added.
Omar said the department has taken various steps to improve tourism infrastructure in Doodhpathri and Tosamaidan by developing various facilities like budget accommodations, huts, cafeterias, kiosks, tourist facilitation centres, viewing decks, and public conveniences.
Besides, accommodation facilities have been created at Doodhpathri and Tosamaidan for the facilitation of tourists, he said.
“Additionally, plans are in place to further improve the tourism infrastructure, such as huts, cafeterias, parking spaces, upgradation of roads and wayside amenities, and developing new trekking and hiking routes to enhance visitors' experience,” Abdullah added—(KNO)