Sakina Itoo admits doctor shortage in J&K, vows post creation despite 2007 ban
Bandipora, June 04: Minister of Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo on Wednesday acknowledged the dearth of doctors in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in north Kashmir's Bandipora district during her official visit.
Itoo visited Government Degree College Bandipora and also addressed party workers during her visit, besides other engagements.
"There is a shortage of doctors," Itoo admitted. She added that her government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, had appointed five hundred doctors soon after coming to power, calling it one of their "biggest achievements."
Itoo was responding to questions about the shortage of doctors in Bandipora and a maternity hospital, constructed by NHPC at Sonarwani, under CSR over a decade ago, which remains abandoned due to the non-creation of posts.
She clarified that the government had "cancelled all attachments of doctors for better healthcare at rural levels" and promised to look into any cases where orders were not being followed.
Despite appointing five hundred additional doctors, Itoo conceded the shortfall persists. "I won't claim there is no shortage. Shortage still persists, but the government has already taken the steps needed" in providing better healthcare.
She cited measures like the "detachment of doctors, appointing five hundred doctors, or posting them to far-flung areas."
"The government is on it, and besides this, a proposal is in making to address the rest of the shortcomings" in the sector, she said on being asked about lacking lift system at District Hospital Bandipora, forcing patients to walk to the operation theater at top floor of the multi-storey building.
On being asked about the lack of posts, the minister noted, "The creation of posts has been banned since 2007, but the government is striving to provide posts wherever necessary," adding that" reviews are also being conducted," assuring tangible change soon.
Itoo also promised that doctors posted at District Hospital but attached elsewhere would be "brought back".
