Srinagar, Mar 06 (KNO): Around 3000 posts are lying vacant in the Health Department in Jammu division, data has revealed.
According to the details accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), as many as 2999 posts of doctors and paramedics are vacant in all 10 districts, excluding GMCs, of Jammu division.
In district Jammu, 127 medical and 522 paramedical posts are vacant, in Doda 99 medical and 160 paramedical, in Poonch 120 and 173, Rajouri 106 and 147, Ramban 75 and 73, Kishtwar 77 and 89, Reasi 126 and 366, Kathua 153 and 171, Samba 165 and 126 and in Udhampur 92 medical and 125 paramedical posts are vacant.
At GMC Kathua, 131 posts of doctors and paramedics are lying vacant that include 13 professors, nine associate professors, 15 assistant professors, 10 CMOs/LMOs, 39 associate hospital doctors and 37 paramedics.
While replying to a question of MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, Health Minister Sakina Itoo said that to meet up the shortage of staff, 53 doctors and 583 paramedics. staff are engaged under NHM to supplement strength. existing staff.
"With reference to vacant posts of medical officers, it is stated that recently in the month of November, 2024, 365 candidates were appointed as medical officers in the J&K Health & Family Welfare (Gazetted) Services. Out of which 13 medical officers were posted in district Kathua further strengthening the medical/health care facilities at grass root level," she said.
The department is also in the process of operating a wait list in respect of 91 selected Medical Officers, whose services will also be utilized in the Un- deserved areas across the UT of J&K," she said.
"Besides, 181 numbers of posts of Medical Officers are still to be received from Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission. Upon receiving the selections, the selectee doctors will be posted at the health institutions experiencing staff shortages," she added—(KNO)