Srinagar, Oct 20: Jammu and Kashmir’s Health and Education Minister, Sakina Itoo Monday said that the government is actively considering providing special incentives for doctors serving in remote and rural areas of the region, acknowledging that such areas continue to face major challenges in healthcare access and manpower.
Speaking during her visit to Baramulla village, the Minister said that many doctors prefer postings in urban centers due to lack of basic facilities in rural areas, including housing, power and water supply.
She said the government is working to address these gaps and motivate medical staff to serve in far-flung regions. “Our doctors face real difficulties in rural postings. There is no proper accommodation, no electricity and water supply remains an issue. Incentives should be higher in rural areas than in cities and the government is working on this,” Sakina Itoo said.
She added that improving conditions for healthcare workers in such areas is key to ensuring quality patient care. “If doctors do not go to rural areas, who will serve the people there? They are our own people and we must make it easier for our medical staff to stay and work among them,” she said.
The Minister while addressing the complaints regarding senior residents’ attendance at GMC Baramulla said the government has already acted on several such issues, including transfers of doctors, who had remained in the same postings for long periods. “Doctors are working as per their duty rosters and we are continuously reviewing operations at GMC Baramulla to ensure accountability,” she said.
She further announced that the government plans to introduce an offline ticketing system at GMC Baramulla and other hospitals to assist patients from remote areas who lack smartphones or internet access.
“Not everyone can use QR codes or online registration. People from remote villages face problems. I have already spoken to my department to ensure an offline admission facility for such patients,” she said.
The Minister also said the government had sanctioned major projects, including MRI and Cath Lab facilities for GMC Baramulla to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in north Kashmir.
“Equipment will only be installed where trained professionals are available. There is no point in placing machinery without doctors or technicians to operate it,” she said, adding that the government’s focus remains on making advanced healthcare accessible beyond urban limits—(KNO)
