J&K to Enhance Staff Recruitment in Leading Healthcare Facilities
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Synopsis
Jammu and Kashmir's Health Minister Sakina Itoo announced plans to enhance recruitment at premier healthcare centers due to increasing patient loads. New recruitment rules will facilitate staff promotions, while various infrastructural projects aim to improve healthcare services.
Key Takeaways
- Increasing patient load at SKIMS and SMHS hospitals.
- New recruitment rules to address staff shortages.
- Ongoing healthcare infrastructure development projects.
- Upgrading facilities at JLNM Hospital.
- Support from NHM for staffing challenges.
Jammu, March 15 (NationPress) The Health Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Sakina Itoo, announced on Saturday that the number of patients visiting the OPD and IPD at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Soura, Srinagar, is increasing daily, despite a noticeable staff shortage.
She stated, "This matter has been brought to the attention of the relevant recruitment agencies. Additionally, the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department recently issued the Recruitment Rules, 2025 for SKIMS through S.O 29 dated January 23, 2025, which will facilitate staff promotions across various categories and create new entry-level vacancies," in response to a query from National Conference member Tanvir Sadiq.
As for the SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, the minister noted that the government facility sees around 3,500 patients daily in both the OPD and IPD, highlighting the significant strain on healthcare infrastructure in the region.
"Enhancing healthcare infrastructure is the administration's top priority. Given the rising number of patients, several projects are underway, including the construction of a theatre block costing Rs 5,024.74 lakh, a 30-bed ENT block at Rs 499.00 lakh, and the upgrading of medical casualty with an estimated cost of Rs 299.85 lakh. Plans for the enhancement of triage and the addition of lifts are also in the works," she stated.
She added, "These developments will introduce additional amenities such as HD Waras (18-bed), pre- and post-operative wards (37), drug/CSSD stores (2 each), a blood bank, and a gas bank, all of which will significantly improve healthcare services at the hospital."
Concerning the JLNM Hospital situated in the Rainawari district of Srinagar, Itoo acknowledged the sharp increase in patient numbers and confirmed that the H&ME Department is working on infrastructure upgrades, including a G+4 additional block that is expected to be completed shortly.
She also mentioned, "A CT scan machine has recently been installed. Regarding staffing, nearly all sanctioned positions for consultants and medical officers are filled; however, some paramedic roles remain vacant. This gap is currently being addressed with support from the National Health Mission (NHM)."
