SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said the vacant post of Consultant Radiologist at District Hospital Kishtwar is under active consideration, while construction of the hospital’s additional 100-bedded inpatient block has been targeted for completion by December 2026.
The government provided the information in a written reply to a question raised by Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
On the radiologist post, the government said proposals for promotion of specialists in various disciplines had been submitted to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for further action.
It said the proposal under the promotion quota for Consultant Radiology was under active consideration. The department was also reconciling vacancies to determine the actual lien-free posts available under the direct recruitment quota.
After the exercise is completed, eligible vacancies, including Consultant Radiology, will be referred to the JKPSC for advertisement and selection in accordance with the prescribed recruitment rules.
The question had sought priority action to fill specialist vacancies, particularly the radiologist’s post, to enable full utilisation of MRI and other specialised diagnostic services at the hospital.
On the additional 100-bedded IPD block, the government said the project had suffered delays because of litigation and procedural issues. It was initially entrusted to the J&K Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) and was later transferred to the Public Works Department (PWD) in September 2023.
Construction progressed slowly after the contractor failed to mobilise adequate resources and execute the work as required. The department subsequently issued notices directing the contractor to resume and expedite the work.
The contractor later approached the court and initiated litigation against the PWD, leading to suspension of construction for a considerable period. Following resolution of the dispute, the remaining work was re-tendered and construction resumed in February 2026.
The government said civil works were currently under way and the project was targeted for completion by December 2026, subject to availability of funds and site conditions.
It said the delay was primarily due to litigation and procedural constraints and added that the project was being monitored for early completion.
On ambulance services, the government said District Hospital Kishtwar currently has two 108 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances operated through Bharat Vikas Group Limited and four 102 ambulances operated by the department.
The four 102 ambulances, however, are nearing the end of their prescribed service life and are due for replacement or decommissioning.
The government said procurement of new ALS ambulances to replace the existing vehicles would be considered subject to availability of funds.
On the demand for increasing the number of 108 ambulances and ensuring round-the-clock availability, the department said no such proposal was currently under consideration. It added that the issue raised by the MLA would be examined in due course in light of prevailing circumstances, relevant facts and applicable rules and policies.
