Clear Hurdles, Speed Up Appointments to Tackle Doctor Shortage: Sakeena Itoo

In a strong move to boost healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Friday instructed health authorities to simplify procedures and remove administrative obstacles that are delaying the recruitment and posting of doctors, specialists, and paramedical staff.

She stressed that vacant posts must be referred without delay to overcome manpower shortages in hospitals and medical institutions.

According to news agency Kashmir News that, the Minister issued these directions while chairing a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat to assess the status of vacancies at various levels and the progress of referrals in Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) and the Health and Medical Education Department across the Union Territory.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Principals of GMCs at Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Baramulla, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Handwara; Principal SKIMS Medical College; Directors of Health Services Jammu and Kashmir; and other senior officials, both in person and via video conferencing.

The objective of the meeting was to evaluate existing staff shortages and accelerate the recruitment process to strengthen healthcare services at all levels.

During the discussions, the Minister underlined the importance of timely referral of vacant posts to address shortages of doctors, paramedics, and support staff. She sought detailed information on sanctioned posts, current vacancies, and the status of selections being processed through recruitment agencies.

Emphasising that a strong workforce is the backbone of an effective healthcare system, Sakeena Itoo directed officials to eliminate delays in appointments and postings, particularly of specialists in high-need areas. She also ordered the cancellation of all attachments of doctors and paramedical staff and their immediate posting to areas facing severe staff shortages.

The Minister instructed the Principals of all GMCs and the Directors to assess their respective manpower requirements and prepare a structured plan for the deployment of doctors and specialists. She further called for rationalisation of staff to ensure that specialist shortages in far-flung and underserved areas are addressed.

She also directed GMC Principals to finalise recruitment rules for all categories of posts in a timely manner so that hiring processes can be completed quickly and vacancies filled without delay.

While reviewing other aspects of the health sector, the Minister placed special focus on addressing drug abuse. She called for a proactive and compassionate approach toward victims of substance abuse, stressing the need to strengthen de-addiction and rehabilitation services, ensure early detection of cases, and provide comprehensive medical, psychological, and social support.

Describing drug abuse as a serious public health and social challenge, she directed officials to expand awareness programmes, improve counselling services, and upgrade infrastructure at de-addiction centres to support effective treatment and rehabilitation.

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Reaffirming the Government’s people-centric healthcare approach, Sakeena Itoo said that timely recruitment, strong institutional backing, and a humane response to vulnerable groups, including those affected by drug addiction, remain top priorities.

She reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving patient care and ensuring equitable health services, especially in remote and underserved areas, adding that strengthening GMCs and health institutions with adequate staff will significantly improve healthcare delivery across Jammu and Kashmir.