SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday acknowledged that staff shortages at SKIMS Soura remain a significant challenge, as patient loads in both the Outpatient Department (OPD) and Inpatient Department (IPD) continue to rise.
In response to a question from MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, stated that while patient inflow at SKIMS is increasing daily, the shortage of staff is a pressing issue.
“In this regard, the matter has been raised with the concerned recruitment agencies. Furthermore, the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department has recently notified the Recruitment Rules 2025, under S.O 29 dated 23.01.2025, which will facilitate staff promotions in various categories and create further vacancies at the entry level,” she said.
Regarding SMHS Hospital, the minister said that the facility handles 3,500 patients daily across casualty, OPD, and IPD sections. However, she denied that the healthcare infrastructure in Government Hospital Srinagar is under severe stress.
“The administration has prioritised healthcare infrastructure. In response to the increasing patient load, various projects are underway, including Construction of a Theatre Block at a cost of Rs 5,024.74 lakh, 30-bedded ENT Block under construction at Rs 499.00 lakh, Upgradation of Medical Casualty with an estimated cost of Rs 299.85 lakh and a proposed upgradation of Triage and augmentation of lifts,” she said.
She further added that these projects will introduce HD wards (18 beds), pre- and post-operative wards (37 beds), Drug/CSSD stores (2 each), a Blood Bank, and a Gas Bank, enhancing healthcare services at SMHS.
Regarding JLNM Hospital, Itoo confirmed that patient inflow has sharply increased, prompting infrastructure upgrades. “A G+4 additional block is currently under construction and will be completed soon by the Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board (JKHB).”
She also stated that a CT scan facility has been recently installed. While most Consultant and Medical Officer positions are filled, vacancies remain among paramedics, though these are being managed with additional staff provided under National Health Mission (NHM). (KNO)
