SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo on Friday directed health authorities to streamline procedures and remove bottlenecks delaying appointments and postings of specialist doctors across Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the need for timely referral of vacant posts to address staff shortages.
Chairing a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the Minister assessed the status of vacancies across various categories and reviewed progress on referral of posts in Government Medical Colleges and the Health and Medical Education Department across the Union Territory.
According to officials, the meeting focused on identifying existing manpower gaps and expediting recruitment to strengthen healthcare delivery at all levels. The Minister sought detailed updates on sanctioned strength, vacancies and the status of selections being processed through recruiting agencies.
Stressing that efficient human resources form the backbone of the healthcare system, Sakeena Itoo directed officers to cancel attachments of doctors and paramedics and post them in areas facing acute shortages. She also asked for immediate steps to ensure that procedural delays do not hamper the appointment and posting of specialists, particularly in underserved regions.
The Minister instructed principals of Government Medical Colleges and directors of health services to assess requirements of doctors and specialists in their respective institutions and prepare concrete posting plans. She further emphasised rationalisation of staff to bridge critical gaps in far flung areas.
Sakeena Itoo also directed timely finalisation of recruitment rules for all categories of posts to speed up the recruitment process and ensure that vacancies are filled without delay.
During the review, the Minister laid special emphasis on adopting a proactive and compassionate approach towards victims of drug abuse. She called for strengthening de addiction and rehabilitation services, early identification of substance abuse cases and provision of comprehensive medical, psychological and social support.
She described drug abuse as a serious public health and societal issue and directed officials to enhance awareness programmes, expand counselling services and improve infrastructure at de-addiction centres to facilitate effective treatment and rehabilitation.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to a people-centric healthcare system, the Minister said timely recruitment, robust institutional support and a humane approach towards vulnerable sections remain key priorities. She added that strengthening Government Medical Colleges and health institutions with adequate staff would significantly improve patient care, especially in peripheral and underserved areas.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Health and Medical Education Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, principals of Government Medical Colleges at Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Baramulla, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Handwara, Principal SKIMS Medical College, directors of health services for Jammu and Kashmir, and other senior officers, either in person or through video conferencing.
