JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today emphasized on the need for timely referral of vacant posts to address shortages of doctors, paramedics and other support staff in healthcare institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Health Minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting at the Civil Secretariat here to review the status of vacancies of different categories of posts at various levels and progress on referral of posts in Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) and the Health and Medical department across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Principals of all GMCs (Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Baramulla, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Handwara), Principal SKIMS Medical College, Director Health Services Jammu/Kashmir and other senior officers of the department, either in person or through video conferencing.
The meeting was held to review and assess the existing manpower gaps and to expedite the recruitment process to strengthen healthcare delivery at all levels.
During the meeting, the Minister emphasized on the need for timely referral of vacant posts to address shortages of doctors, paramedics and support staff in hospitals and medical institutions. She sought detailed updates on sanctioned posts, vacancies and the status of selections being processed through recruiting agencies.
Stressing that efficient human resource forms the backbone of the healthcare system, Sakeena Itoo directed officials to streamline procedures and remove bottlenecks delaying appointments, as well as post specialists in deserving areas. “Cancel attachments of all doctors and paramedics and post them in areas facing an acute shortage of staff,” Minister Sakeena directed the officers.
She further asked all Principals of GMCs and Directors to ascertain the requirement of doctors and specialists in their respective medical institutions and make a proper plan for the posting of required staff at these places. She also stressed on both Directors for the rationalisation of staff to fill the necessary manpower gaps of specialists in far-flung areas.
The Minister also directed the Principals for the timely finalisation of the Recruitment rules for all categories of posts so that the process of recruitment is expedited and the vacant posts are filled timely.
While reviewing different aspects of health sector, Minister Sakeena also laid special emphasis on adopting a proactive and compassionate approach towards victims of drug abuse. She highlighted the need to strengthen de-addiction and rehabilitation services, ensure early identification of substance abuse cases and provide comprehensive medical, psychological and social support to affected individuals.
The Minister stressed that drug abuse needs to be addressed as a serious public health as well as societal issue. She directed the officers to enhance awareness programmes, expand counselling services and improve infrastructure at de-addiction centres to facilitate effective treatment and rehabilitation of victims.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to a people-centric healthcare system, the Minister said that timely recruitment, robust institutional support and a humane approach towards vulnerable sections, including drug abuse victims, remain top priorities of the Government.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving patient care and ensuring equitable health services, particularly in peripheral and underserved areas. She underscored that strengthening GMCs and health institutions with adequate staff would enhance health care service delivery across Jammu and Kashmir.
