Srinagar I March 16, 2025-In a significant move to bolster healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, announced that 365 medical officers have been recently appointed and deployed to remote and underserved areas of the Union Territory. The initiative, aimed at addressing doctor shortages and enhancing medical facilities at the grassroots level, reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access across the region.
The announcement came during a legislative session on March 15, 2025, in response to a question raised by MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Minister Itoo emphasised that the Health and Medical Education Department is prioritizing the provision of healthcare services in far-flung regions, countering the practice of attaching doctors to urban centers. “The government is making every effort to ensure healthcare services reach all areas of J&K, including underserved regions. This is evident from the recent appointment of 365 medical officers posted to remote areas facing doctor shortages,” she stated.
These medical officers, appointed in November 2024 under the J&K Health & Family Welfare (Gazetted) Services, are part of a broader strategy to strengthen primary and peripheral healthcare facilities. The minister highlighted that the deployment is a deliberate step to reduce the dependency of rural populations on distant tertiary care hospitals. “Our goal is to bridge healthcare gaps and bring quality medical services closer to the people,” Itoo added.
The initiative has been widely welcomed by local leaders and healthcare advocates, who see it as a critical step toward addressing long-standing disparities in medical access. In many remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, the lack of adequate staffing has left health centers underutilized, forcing residents to travel long distances for basic treatment. With this deployment, the government aims to operationalize and enhance these facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of the local population.
Itoo also addressed concerns about doctor attachments, clarifying that the department discourages such practices except in exceptional cases. “Attachments are only made under urgent circumstances, such as a shortage of staff at a facility or a sudden surge in patient load. Even then, we consider the well-being of the doctors, ensuring they can serve effectively without compromising their personal circumstances,” she explained. This policy shift underscores the administration’s focus on maintaining a balanced and functional healthcare workforce.
The deployment of the 365 medical officers is part of a larger recruitment drive fast-tracked by the Health Department. In addition to these appointments, the government is processing a waitlist of 91 more selected medical officers, whose services will also be utilized in underserved areas. Furthermore, 181 additional posts are awaiting approval from the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission, with plans to station these doctors in health institutions experiencing staff shortages once selections are finalized.
Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare sector has seen notable progress under the current administration, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The region boasts one of the highest densities of health institutions among large states and Union Territories in India, with a facility for every 3,500 people compared to the national average of 6,000, according to a 2023 Ministry of Health and Family Welfare report. The recent postings build on this foundation, aiming to maximize the impact of existing infrastructure.
Local residents in remote areas have expressed cautious optimism about the development. “For years, we’ve had to travel hours to see a doctor. If these officers stay and work here, it could change everything,” said Ghulam Rasool, a resident of a village in the Rajpora constituency. However, challenges remain, including retaining medical professionals in tough terrains and ensuring the timely completion of ongoing healthcare projects.
Minister Itoo reiterated the government’s broader vision during her address, noting that upgrading healthcare infrastructure and filling vacancies are top priorities. “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, we are committed to transforming the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. These steps are just the beginning,” she said.
As the region prepares for a busy tourist season following a spell of adverse weather, the bolstered healthcare system is expected to play a crucial role in supporting both residents and visitors. With the deployment of these 365 medical officers, Jammu and Kashmir takes a significant stride toward a healthier, more accessible future for its people.