Srinagar, Sep 25 (KNS): The Jammu and Kashmir government has admitted to a shortage of medical and paramedical staff in healthcare institutions across the Union Territory, while maintaining that health services are "functioning smoothly" without any adverse impact on patient care.
In a written reply to a starred question raised by MLA Salman Ali Sagar in an ongoing autum session or the Legislative Assembly, the Health and Medical Education Department as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) acknowledged the staffing gaps but claimed the shortage varies from institution to institution depending on sanctioned strength and functional requirements.
"There is a shortage of Medical/Paramedical staff in certain healthcare institutions of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir," the government stated, adding that the department is "continuously monitoring" the manpower position to ensure optimum utilisation of available human resources.
Addressing concerns over healthcare delivery in District Srinagar, the government denied any adverse impact, attributing the smooth functioning to stop-gap arrangements.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"The shortage of staff, wherever existing, is being supplemented through the deployment/engagement of staff under the National Health Mission (NHM), as permissible," the reply stated.
The government also asserted that health services at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) are running smoothly, despite admitted vacancies for doctors, nurses, and allied staff. It claimed available manpower is being "utilised optimally" and vacancies are being addressed through recruitment and "permissible alternative arrangements."
On measures to fill vacant posts, the Minister Incharge for Health and Medical Education told the House that vacancies in various medical and paramedical categories are proposed to be filled "on priority." However, the government qualified this commitment, stating that appointments are subject to the availability of selection panels and recommendations from competent recruiting agencies. (KNS)