Prescribing Progress: Govt Sends 103 Medical Officers to Underserved Corners of J&K

Jammu and Kashmir administration has appointed 103 Medical Officers to strengthen healthcare in far-flung and under-developed regions, plugging the vital gaps in receiving medical treatment. The move was announced by Health Minister Sakina Itoo, noting that the government is dedicated to "Health for All" under initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and SEHAT (₹5 lakh free health insurance per family).

 

Key points:

 

Target regions: Posts target remote districts that lack health facilities, i.e., Pir Panjal, Chenab Valley, and hilly districts.

 

Budget allocation: Part of J&K's ₹1.4 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, where ₹1,750 crore is being allocated towards developing health facilities, including new cancer centers, dialysis facilities, and AI-based diagnostics.

 

Vision long-term: Aligns with proposals for implementing AIIMS Kashmir, enhancing MBBS seats, and giving all district hospitals CT scans and emergency medicine facilities.

 

The appointments aim to reduce patient referrals to urban centers and improve maternal health, TB screening, and control of non-communicable diseases.

 

Sources: Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Life, J&K Health Department