Over 1,000 doctor posts vacant in Jammu and Kashmir; govt refers 480 posts to JKPSC

Vacant Doctor Posts in Jammu and Kashmir

The Health and Medical Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir has reported that more than 1,000 doctor posts are currently vacant across the Union Territory. The vacancies include 24 senior consultants, 253 consultants, 458 medical officers, and 62 dental surgeons in the Kashmir division, while the Jammu division has 288 vacant consultant posts.

To address the shortage of doctors in peripheral and remote areas, the government has referred 480 posts of medical officers to the J-K Public Service Commission (JKPSC) for selection. The newly selected doctors will be posted to far-flung and under-served areas and health institutions facing a shortage of staff.

The department has taken several remedial measures to reduce avoidable referrals and improve access to specialist healthcare at the peripheral level. These measures include rationalisation and redeployment of available specialist manpower, engagement of specialists on contractual basis, utilisation of National Health Mission (NHM) and other centrally sponsored schemes for hiring of specialists, tele-medicine and e-Sanjeevani services for expert consultations.

The establishment of seven new Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir has also reduced the referral load to GMC Jammu and GMC Srinagar, as major specialist services are now being provided in these newly established institutions. Consultants and medical officers posted at Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are actively delivering services at the peripheral level, thereby minimising routine referrals.

Importance for Students

The vacant doctor posts in Jammu and Kashmir highlight the need for a robust healthcare system in the region. Students pursuing medical courses can consider the challenges faced by the healthcare system in Jammu and Kashmir and explore ways to contribute to its improvement. The government's efforts to strengthen specialist services at peripheral hospitals and reduce avoidable referrals can serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.