Government Clarifies Staffing and Health Infrastructure Issues in Akhnoor Constituency
SDH Akhnoor is also plagued by a shortage of staff, with seven posts still vacant, despite numerous efforts from the community to ensure the full staffing of the hospital.
The government should take this matter seriously, as despite all their efforts, there is still a shortage of eight doctors. This situation is untenable, especially considering that even the current 37 doctors are insufficient.
jj correspondent
Jammu, Mar 17: The Government has provided clarification regarding the staffing situation at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Akhnoor and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in the Akhnoor constituency. Responding to a question raised by Mohan Lal Bagat, Health and Medical Education Minister, Sakina Itoo stated that out of 32 sanctioned posts at SDH Akhnoor, only 7 remain vacant, with the majority of positions filled. The Minister reassured that the Health Department is actively working to address the existing vacancies and strengthen healthcare services in the region.
Minister Itoo explained, “At SDH Akhnoor, 25 of the 32 sanctioned posts for doctors have been filled, and efforts are ongoing to expedite the recruitment process to fill the remaining vacancies. The department is committed to improving healthcare delivery in the region and ensuring that the community continues to receive adequate medical services.”
Regarding the Primary Health Centers in the Akhnoor constituency, Itoo provided an update on staffing. She noted that there are 37 sanctioned posts for doctors across the PHCs in the constituency, with 17 doctors currently in service. Additionally, 12 more doctors have been deployed under the National Health Mission (NHM) to work in SDHs, PHCs, Community Health Centers (CHCs), and wellness centers throughout the Akhnoor block. This strategic deployment aims to bolster the healthcare infrastructure and ensure continued medical care despite the existing vacancies.
In response to another query by MLA Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir, Minister Itoo also addressed the issue of the Qasbayar Sub-Center. She clarified that the facility was upgraded to a New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) in 2014, under Government Order No. 585 (HME). However, she added that the NTPHC at Qasbayar does not meet the population criteria established by the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS-2022) for upgradation to a full Primary Health Centre (PHC).
Itoo further explained that NTPHC Qasbayar currently operates as a Health & Wellness Centre, staffed with one Medical Officer, one Female Multipurpose Health Worker (FMPHW) from NHM, and one Safaiwala. The center, which is operating from rented premises, provides basic healthcare services to the residents of Qasbayar and nearby areas.
Additionally, Minister Itoo highlighted that the nearby Community Health Centre (CHC) at Rajpora, located just 5 kilometers away, is providing secondary healthcare services, further supplementing the healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The Health Minister’s responses have aimed to address public concerns regarding the healthcare system in Akhnoor and clarify the Government’s efforts to improve services and staffing in the region.
