Vikram Sharma | The News Now
JAMMU: District Hospital Kishtwar is currently operating as a 100-bedded facility. However, an additional 100-bedded hospital building is under construction adjacent to the existing In-Patient Department (IPD) Block.
This information was provided by Sakina Itoo, Minister for Health and Medical Education, in response to a question raised by BJP MLA Shagun Parihar during the Legislative Assembly session.
The minister further elaborated that the Emergency Room of District Hospital Kishtwar is equipped to handle all trauma cases. It is staffed with specialist doctors, including surgeons, orthopedic specialists, anesthetists, and physicians, along with a sufficient number of medical officers and paramedics to ensure round-the-clock emergency care.
However, cases requiring neurosurgical interventions and specialized consultations are stabilized at District Hospital Kishtwar before being referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu for advanced treatment.
In addition to the hospital’s capabilities, the designated Trauma Care Centre nearest to Kishtwar is located in Thathri, approximately 30 kilometers away. This center plays a crucial role in managing trauma cases that exceed the operational capacity of District Hospital Kishtwar.
Regarding staffing concerns, Sakina Itoo provided details about the sanctioned posts of medical officers and consultants at District Hospital Kishtwar, as well as the steps being taken to address vacancies. She stated that any vacancies arising due to retirements or promotions will be referred to the recruiting agencies to ensure the maximum possible allocation of staff in accordance with the sanctioned strength.
Specifically addressing the vacant posts of medical officers, the minister highlighted that in November 2024, 365 medical officers were appointed under the J&K Health & Family Welfare (Gazetted) Services. These newly appointed medical officers have been posted in remote and peripheral health institutions across Jammu and Kashmir to enhance healthcare services at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, the department is in the process of utilizing the waitlist of 91 selected medical officers. Once their appointments are finalized, their services will be deployed in underserved areas across Jammu and Kashmir to bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility.
Additionally, 181 medical officer posts are still awaiting selection results from the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). Upon receiving these selections, the newly appointed doctors will be assigned to health institutions facing staff shortages to strengthen the overall healthcare system in the region.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services in Kishtwar and other peripheral areas. The ongoing expansion of hospital facilities and strategic recruitment of medical professionals aim to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services for the local population.
These measures reflect the administration’s focus on ensuring equitable healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
