Srinagar, Mar 20 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said it is committed to enhancing facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to reduce the burden of referrals to secondary and tertiary care hospitals.
Responding to a query from MLA Syed Basheer Ahmad Shah, Health and Medical Education Department Minister Sakina Itoo, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the delivery of healthcare services in the public sector is structured in a three-tier system, consisting of Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Health Centres that cater to both rural and urban populations.
"Strengthening Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) is essential for improving the overall healthcare system and lessening the referral burden on Secondary and Tertiary Health Centers. The government is dedicated to enhancing PHCs by improving infrastructure, expanding staffing, and ensuring access to quality care," Itoo said, adding, "This plan includes establishing and upgrading Emergency Rooms with advanced equipment, machinery, and staff training to effectively manage emergencies. Emergency Rooms are being set up in various healthcare institutions to ensure timely treatment and minimise unnecessary referrals."
Itoo further said the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department aims to strengthen existing health facilities in alignment with the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and improve accessibility through the development of e-Sanjeevani and telemedicine services using a well-designed hub-and-spoke model.
"The government is focused on integrating key health system inputs, including infrastructure, skilled healthcare personnel, medicines, equipment, and health information systems, to provide quality, equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare," she said, adding, "This robust mechanism is designed to modernise healthcare institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, reduce the burden on Tertiary Care facilities, minimise out-of-pocket expenses for patients, and enhance overall healthcare efficiency."
Itoo assured that all health institutions in the Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency are operational and fully functional, equipped with adequate medical and paramedical personnel. "There are currently 166 doctors and paramedics available in the Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency from regular staffing," she said.
The minister said that to enhance healthcare facilities at the grassroots level, an additional team of 95 doctors and paramedics has been deployed under the National Health Mission (NHM). This dedicated support staff plays a crucial role in improving healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved areas," she added.
Itoo clarified that there is no proposal to make the Medical Blocks of Srigufwara-Bijbehara co-terminus within the jurisdiction of the constituency.
"In the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Medical Blocks have been established based on the number of health institutions, population, topography of the area, and accessibility to nearby health facilities in order to align with world health standards," she said.
To address critical gaps, the department aims to strengthen existing health facilities according to the IPHS-2022 norms and extend support to the public seeking medical attention by providing improved quality services, the minister added—(KNO)