Jammu, Aug 12: Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Masood Itoo on Wednesday said the Jammu and Kashmir Government is set to launch another major recruitment drive in the health sector, with around 800 para-medical posts expected to be advertised in December this year.
The announcement came during the inauguration of a newly established CT Scan facility at Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS) Hospital, Jammu, where the minister underlined the government’s efforts to strengthen both healthcare infrastructure and manpower across the Union Territory.
Talking to reporters after the inauguration Itoo, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the recruitment of para-medical staff was being pursued in view of the shortage of trained manpower in government hospitals and health institutions.
The Minister said she has taken up the issue with the Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). “Recruitment of around 800 paramedics is expected to begin in December,” the Minister said, adding that the move would help address staff shortages and improve the delivery of healthcare services.
She said the government has already recruited around 900 doctors and is simultaneously working to augment the para-medical workforce. According to her, strengthening manpower was essential alongside the creation of new infrastructure to ensure that facilities could be utilised effectively and patients receive treatment without unnecessary delays.
Speaking about the newly inaugurated CT Scan facility at SMGS Hospital, Itoo said patients were earlier being referred to other hospitals because of the non-availability of the diagnostic facility at the hospital. “Now they won’t face any problems.”
She said the government is committed to ensuring that patients, particularly those belonging to economically weaker sections, did not have to depend on private hospitals for essential diagnostic services.
“There is no compromise on patient care and everyone must get proper treatment at the earliest,” she said, stressing that many poor families cannot afford treatment and diagnostic services in private hospitals.
The minister said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken cognisance of the requirements at SMGS Hospital, particularly in view of the heavy patient rush at the institution.
She said patients from different parts of Jammu and surrounding areas are referred to the hospital, making the expansion of diagnostic and treatment facilities particularly important.
Itoo further said that an MRI facility is expected to be established at SMGS Hospital within the next three months.
She said the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Corporation Limited (JKMCL) had already initiated the process for establishing the facility, which would further strengthen the hospital’s diagnostic capacity and reduce the need for patients to approach other institutions.
The Minister said the government has taken several measures to decentralise advanced healthcare services. Cath labs have already been established at various locations, while MRI facilities have been made available at multiple centres.
She also highlighted the expansion of dialysis services up to the community health centre level, saying the objective was to ensure that patients, particularly those from poor families, do not suffer because of the lack of essential facilities.
Addressing another major issue faced by patients and attendants visiting SMGS Hospital, Itoo said Rs 5 crore have been released for a flyover near the hospital.
She said the project is aimed at easing traffic congestion in the area and ensuring that patients do not get delayed while trying to reach the hospital during emergencies.
The Minister said reducing traffic-related delays was important because patients requiring urgent medical attention cannot afford to remain stuck in congestion.
A newly constructed Academic Block at Chest Disease (CD) Hospital was also inaugurated during the programme, adding to the academic and healthcare infrastructure associated with Government Medical College Jammu.
Itoo said the government is simultaneously focusing on infrastructure development, diagnostic services and recruitment of medical and para-medical personnel to strengthen the overall healthcare system.
She emphasised the need for doctors and healthcare workers to maintain compassionate communication with patients and their attendants, while directing that emergency services and patient requirements should remain the foremost priority.
The programme was attended by Jammu West MLA Arvind Gupta, Jammu East MLA Yudhvir Sethi, senior officials of the Directorate of Health Services, Heads of Departments and faculty members of GMC Jammu, besides doctors, healthcare workers and students.
Arvind Gupta appreciated the improvements in GMC Jammu and its associated hospitals and assured support in resolving pending issues, particularly those concerning manpower and funding.
Yudhvir Sethi also appreciated the contribution of doctors, paramedics and other healthcare professionals towards strengthening medical services and infrastructure.
Principal and Dean, GMC Jammu, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, expressed gratitude to the minister, elected representatives, senior officers, faculty members, doctors, staff and other stakeholders for their continued support in improving the institution. (KNO)
