The Jammu and Kashmir government has no proposal to train educated youth as pharmacists at the village level, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo informed the Assembly on Wednesday.
Responding to a question from MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia, Itoo said that 37 medical institutions in Block Chenani, five in Block Basantgarh, and seven in Block Ramnagar are currently providing healthcare services in Chenani Constituency.
She added that vacant posts in these institutions are being referred to recruitment agencies to ensure timely appointments and strengthen the healthcare system across J&K.
Itoo said several health institutions in far-flung areas are operational, including NTPHC Panchound, Sub Centre Parla Chapper, MAC Satyalta, PHC Gharian, Sub Centre Nagulta, Sub Centre Tanghdar, Sub Centre Ladha, NTPHC Madha, Sub Centre Kollasar, MAC Sarar, NTPHC Mantalal, PHC Sudhmahadev, Sub Centre Ghantwal and NTPHC Sewna.
The minister said the establishment or upgrade of health institutions depends on multiple factors, including population density, existing infrastructure, distance from nearby facilities, workload and compliance with IPHS norms.
To enhance emergency care, CHC Chenani and SDH Ramnagar have been equipped with emergency rooms, including upgraded medical equipment and trained staff, she said, adding that patients requiring advanced treatment are referred to tertiary healthcare centres.
Responding to a question from MLA Thakur Randhir Singh, Itoo said that 205 out of 365 sanctioned medical and paramedical posts are filled in Kalakote-Sundarbani Constituency. She said 50 staff members have been deployed under the National Health Mission (NHM).
“A sonologist is available at SDH Sunderbani twice a week, X-ray services are available 24/7 at CHC Kalakote and SDH Sunderbani, a new X-ray machine has been procured for PHC Trayath and will soon be installed at PHC Moughla,” she said, adding, “No X-ray technician post is currently sanctioned at PHC Moughla and patients requiring unavailable services are referred to SDH Sunderbani and GMC Rajouri.”
The minister assured that the health department is actively working on deploying technical staff to ensure the full functionality of medical equipment in all institutions—(KNO)
