SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today informed the Legislative Assembly that the Government is taking sustained measures to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, manpower and service delivery in Bandipora Constituency, with particular focus on peripheral, underserved, remote and difficult areas.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Nizam-ud-din Bhat, the Minister informed the House that 31 healthcare institutions are presently functioning in Bandipora Constituency, including the District Hospital, ANMT School, PHCs, NTPHCs and Health & Wellness Centres.
Sakeena Itoo said that the Government is continuously assessing the requirements of health institutions and taking necessary measures in accordance with sanctioned strength, service requirements and availability of resources. She said special attention is being accorded to strengthening healthcare facilities in peripheral and difficult areas.
On manpower augmentation, the Minister informed that the J&K Public Service Commission had recommended 416 Medical Officers, out of which 335 have so far been appointed. She said these Medical Officers would be posted appropriately, keeping in view the healthcare requirements of peripheral, underserved, remote and difficult areas, with a view to further strengthening healthcare delivery.
Sakeena Itoo further informed that 466 Non-Gazetted posts borne on the establishment of the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, have also been referred to the recruiting agency for selection of suitable and eligible candidates.
On infrastructure, the Minister said that the Government is undertaking augmentation and upgradation of health facilities in a phased manner. Three infrastructure projects are presently under execution in Bandipora Constituency, which, upon completion, will further augment healthcare facilities for the local population.
Responding to the issue of incomplete, abandoned or unused health infrastructure, Sakeena Itoo clarified that, as per available records, no health institution in the constituency has been abandoned. She informed that some projects are presently under execution.
The Minister stated that NTPHC Quil Muqam, Bandipora, is fully functional, while NTPHC Wular Lake, Bandipora, is likely to be completed by the end of the current financial year. She also informed that the District Hospital Bandipora is fully functional.
