SRINAGAR: The government is set to consolidate over 4,200 health institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo informed the House on Saturday.
She said that 554 New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs) are currently operational across the Union Territory.
Responding to a query by MLA Showkat Hussain Ganie, the Minister said JK ranks among the top achievers in health institution density in India, as per a report by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Addressing concerns about upgrading Sub-Centres in Kanjullar, Kaprin, Turkwangam, and Sharatpora to Primary Health Centres (PHCs), she clarified that no new creations or upgrades are planned at present. Such proposals may be considered once austerity measures imposed by Government Order No. 17-F of 2024, dated 15.01.2024, are lifted.
Itoo further said that to address critical gaps, the government will focus on strengthening existing healthcare facilities in line with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS). Efforts are also underway to enhance e-Sanjeevani and telemedicine services through a structured hub-and-spoke model.
The Minister noted that while IPHS 2012 was previously used, the updated IPHS 2022 norms now serve as the framework for future healthcare facility development.
