The Jammu and Kashmir Government informed the Legislative Assembly today that the Union Territory currently has one doctor for every 1,880 patients, acknowledging the strain on healthcare services while outlining ongoing efforts to improve the doctor-patient ratio.
In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafiz Lone, the Minister In-charge of the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department stated that the department is continuously referring vacancies for Medical Officers and Assistant Professors to the J&K Public Service Commission in a bid to bridge the gap.
👨⚕️ Recruitments Underway to Strengthen Healthcare
The reply noted that 365 Medical Officers and 105 Assistant Professors have recently been appointed. In addition to regular recruitments, the Government is also availing services of healthcare professionals on a contractual basis under the National Health Mission (NHM).
As per the data shared:
- 96 Specialists,
- 418 Allopathic Medical Officers, and
- 874 AYUSH Medical Officers
are currently serving across Jammu and Kashmir under NHM.
The Minister added that as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms, staffing requirements for Primary Health Centres (PHCs), New Type PHCs (NTPHCs), and Sub-Centres (SCs) are mostly met. However, there is no provision for specialists at PHC level under the current guidelines.
🏥 Healthcare Facilities in Wagoora-Kreeri Constituency
In response to a query regarding medical infrastructure in the Wagoora-Kreeri Constituency, the Government reported the existence of 17 health institutions, including:
- CHC Kreeri,
- PHCs at Kalantra and Shrakwara,
- NTPHCs at K. Muqam, Nowpora, and Dudbug, and
- SCs at Bulgam, Authoora, Chinned, Wagoora, Shaikhpora, Sherpora, Sultanpora, Walraman, Tangwari Bala, Waripora Bala, and Nilser.
These institutions provide free screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and various forms of cancer (oral, breast, cervical). Essential medicines and diagnostics are also provided at no cost — 175 drugs and 39 diagnostics at PHCs, and 96 drugs and 14 diagnostics at SCs.
🏗️ Infrastructure Development and Upgradation Plans
On the question of infrastructure expansion, the H&ME Department confirmed that administrative approval has been accorded for the construction of additional floors (G+2) at SDH/CHC Kreeri, and tendering is in progress by the R&B Department.
However, the Sub-Centre at Wagoora does not meet the IPHS criteria for upgradation to NTPHC. The Government cited the population figures — 3,000 in Wagoora and 7,000 in adjoining areas — and the proximity of nearby health facilities like SDH Kreeri (4.5 km), PHC Shrakwara (3.2 km), and PHC Kalantra (6 km) as sufficient for current needs.
