SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo reviewed the progress of health infrastructure and medical services across all districts, focusing on key projects, faculty recruitment, and strategies to address doctor shortages in remote areas.
During the meeting, it was revealed that 333 applications have been submitted to enhance MD/MS, DM/MCH, and DNB seats across medical colleges, with approvals granted for DM Neurology seats at GMC Srinagar and Public Health Dentistry seats at IGGDC Jammu. Additionally, all nine medical colleges have applied for a 50-seat increase in MBBS intake, pending NMC inspection.
Faculty recruitment is progressing, with appointment orders issued for 50 faculty and gazetted positions, and 51 candidates engaged under academic arrangements. To address doctor shortages in remote areas, measures such as hardship allowances and non-practising allowances are being considered. Over 275 medical officers are set to be appointed, while 582 non-gazetted vacancies have been referred for recruitment.
Infrastructure development was also reviewed, with accelerated progress on key projects under the PM ABHIM scheme. Critical care blocks in district hospitals, 9 Community Health Centers (CHCs), and 236 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) are under construction, with 77 projects already underway. The State Cancer Institutes are in the final stages of procuring a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) for advanced cancer treatment.
New medical colleges are nearing completion, with GMC Udhampur expected to be finished by July 2025 and relocation of GMC Handwara in its final stage. Pediatric Hospital Srinagar is fully operational, while the Super Specialty Hospital Jammu has been equipped with a new Cath Lab for advanced cardiology services.
Other major projects include a 125-bedded hospital in Reshipora, Budgam, and a 100-bedded Maternal & Child Health Hospital in Lamberi, both set for completion in 2026.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need for swift augmentation of critical care services, reducing referrals from new GMCs, and ensuring timely faculty recruitment. A three-member NMC Coordination Cell has been set up to facilitate medical colleges in securing approvals.
Senior officials, including the Secretary of Health & Medical Education, Secretary PWD, and Principals of all GMCs, attended the meeting.
