WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) committee has lauded the substantial transformation of the healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, highlighting the establishment of AIIMS, new Government Medical Colleges, specialised healthcare institutions and critical care facilities.
While commending the progress made in strengthening tertiary healthcare and medical education, the committee has called for faster recruitment of doctors and specialists, particularly in remote, border and difficult areas, along with further expansion of postgraduate medical education and digital health services.
The Committee desired details regarding the overall investments made in the health sector after 2019. The Committee also sought information regarding the action plan for addressing the shortage of doctors in remote and underserved areas and the factors contributing to the improvement in health indicators, particularly the achievement of a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.5 in Jammu & Kashmir.
In response, the Administration informed the Committee that the Health and Medical Education Department has undertaken extensive expansion and modernization of the healthcare sector since 2019 with emphasis on strengthening tertiary healthcare, medical education, specialised treatment facilities and the public health system.
Investments of approximately ₹8,500 crore are being made under various Central Sector Schemes, Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Union Territory budgetary schemes for the development and upgradation of healthcare infrastructure across the Union Territory.
The Administration further informed that expansion of Government Medical Colleges, establishment of AIIMS, strengthening of specialised healthcare institutions, creation of nursing and paramedical institutions, augmentation of critical care infrastructure and improvement of primary healthcare facilities have significantly enhanced healthcare delivery in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Committee was also informed that the Government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to address the shortage of doctors in remote and underserved areas through accelerated recruitment, rational deployment, strengthening of telemedicine services, engagement of doctors under different schemes, strengthening DNB and District Residency Program (DRP) expansion of medical education and provision of incentives for service in difficult areas.
The Administration further attributed the improvement in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to 1.5 to increased institutional deliveries, improved maternal and reproductive healthcare services, enhanced female literacy, greater awareness regarding family planning, strengthened healthcare infrastructure, better outreach under the National Health Mission and overall socio-economic development.
The Committee notes with appreciation the substantial investments made in the health sector in Jammu & Kashmir since 2019 and commends the concerted efforts of the Government of India and the Union Territory Administration in transforming the healthcare landscape through the establishment of AIIMS, new Government Medical Colleges, specialised healthcare institutions, nursing colleges and critical care facilities.
The Committee is encouraged to note that these initiatives, coupled with investments under various Central and Union Territory schemes, have significantly strengthened tertiary healthcare, medical education, emergency preparedness and access to quality healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The Committee also notes the effective implementation of digital health initiatives, including the JK-SEHAT platform, telemedicine and tele-radiology services, which are bridging geographical barriers and improving access to specialist healthcare.
While noting these initiatives and the progress achieved, the Committee is of the considered view that availability of qualified doctors and specialists in remote, border and difficult areas continues to be critical for ensuring equitable healthcare delivery.
The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Administration further expedite regular recruitment, expand postgraduate medical education and specialist training, strengthen the District Residency Programme and continue to provide suitable financial and career incentives for medical professionals serving in difficult areas.
The Committee also recommends that digital health infrastructure, telemedicine networks and emergency medical services be further strengthened through robust internet connectivity, periodic capacity building and continuous monitoring to ensure that quality healthcare reaches every citizen irrespective of geographical constraints.
The Committee further notes the improvement in maternal and reproductive health indicators in the Union Territory, particularly the achievement of a Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 1.5, which is below the national average and reflects sustained progress in public health.
The Committee commends the Administration for strengthening maternal and child healthcare services, achieving near-universal institutional deliveries, expanding access to family planning services, promoting female literacy and empowering frontline health workers, especially ASHAs and ANMs, whose contribution to community healthcare has been commendable.
The Committee recommends that these gains be sustained through continued emphasis on adolescent health, women’s education and empowerment, maternal nutrition, reproductive health awareness and universal access to quality maternal healthcare and family planning services, particularly in tribal, border and other underserved regions.
The Committee notes that the successful implementation of the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT Scheme, has substantially reduced the financial burden of healthcare by providing cashless treatment to millions of beneficiaries. The Committee notes with satisfaction the extensive coverage achieved through the issuance of Golden Cards, empanelment of hospitals and strengthening of emergency medical services.
The Committee recommends that sustained efforts be made to further enhance awareness about the Scheme, expand the network of empanelled hospitals and specialised treatment facilities in underserved districts, and periodically review service quality and beneficiary satisfaction so as to ensure that the benefits of universal health coverage are equitably accessible across the Union Territory.
