JAMMU, JANUARY 9: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Thursday stressed the need for timely referral of vacant posts to address shortages of doctors, paramedics and support staff across healthcare institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the status of vacancies across various categories and the progress on referral of posts in Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) and the Health and Medical Education Department across the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Principals of GMCs at Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Baramulla, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Handwara, Principal SKIMS Medical College, Directors of Health Services Jammu and Kashmir, and other senior officers, either in person or through video conferencing.
Held with the objective of assessing existing manpower gaps and expediting the recruitment process, the meeting focused on strengthening healthcare delivery at all levels.
During the deliberations, the Minister sought detailed updates on sanctioned posts, vacancies and the status of selections being processed through recruiting agencies. Emphasising that efficient human resources form the backbone of the healthcare system, she directed officials to streamline procedures and remove bottlenecks delaying appointments and postings of specialist doctors.
“Cancel attachments of all doctors and paramedics and post them in areas facing acute staff shortages,” the Minister directed.
She further instructed Principals of all GMCs and Directors of Health Services to assess the requirement of doctors and specialists in their respective institutions and prepare a proper posting plan to meet local needs. The Minister also stressed rationalisation of staff to bridge manpower gaps, particularly in far-flung and underserved areas.
The Minister directed GMC Principals to finalise recruitment rules for all categories of posts in a time-bound manner to ensure faster recruitment and timely filling of vacancies.
Reviewing broader aspects of the health sector, Sakeena Itoo laid special emphasis on adopting a proactive and compassionate approach towards victims of drug abuse. She called for strengthening de-addiction and rehabilitation services, early identification of substance abuse cases, and provision of comprehensive medical, psychological and social support.
She underlined that drug abuse must be addressed as both a public health and societal issue, and directed officials to enhance awareness programmes, expand counselling services and upgrade infrastructure at de-addiction centres to facilitate effective treatment and rehabilitation.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to a people-centric healthcare system, the Minister said timely recruitment, robust institutional support and a humane approach towards vulnerable sections, including drug abuse victims, remain top priorities.
She reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to improve patient care and ensure equitable health services, particularly in peripheral and underserved areas, noting that strengthening GMCs and health institutions with adequate staff would significantly enhance healthcare delivery across Jammu and Kashmir.
