Srinagar, Sep 25: The Jammu and Kashmir government has acknowledged a shortage of medical and paramedical staff in certain healthcare institutions across the Union Territory, while maintaining that health services are functioning smoothly.
The Health and Medical Education Department, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), stated this in a written reply to a starred question raised by MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar regarding the shortage of doctors and other medical staff.
The department said the extent of the shortage varies from institution to institution depending on sanctioned strength, existing vacancies, functional requirements and service delivery needs. It added that the manpower position is being continuously monitored to ensure optimum utilisation of available human resources.
“Wherever required, the available Medical/Paramedical manpower is rationally deployed and adjusted among healthcare institutions,” the department said, adding that patient load, functional requirements, institutional needs and availability of specialised services are taken into consideration.
Regarding healthcare facilities in Srinagar district, the government said all health services are presently functioning smoothly. It said shortages, wherever existing, are being supplemented through deployment or engagement of staff under the National Health Mission (NHM), as permissible.
On the functioning of SKIMS, the department said health services are running smoothly at present, while acknowledging vacancies. It said the available manpower is being utilised optimally and vacancies are being addressed through recruitment and permissible alternative arrangements to ensure continuity of patient-care services.
On filling the vacant posts, the government said vacancies in various medical and paramedical categories are proposed to be filled on priority. However, appointments will be made in accordance with prescribed rules and procedures and subject to the availability of selection panels/recommendations from competent recruiting agencies. (KNO)
