Jammu, March 25, 2025- Jammu & Kashmir’s Health and Medical Education Minister, Sakina Itoo, revealed in the Legislative Assembly on Monday that nearly 16,000 posts remain vacant in the Union Territory’s Health Department. While the figure highlights a significant challenge, the minister emphasised the government’s proactive steps to address the staffing shortfall, signalling a committed push to bolster healthcare services across the region.
The disclosure came in response to a question from MLA Pattan, Javid Riyaz, during the ongoing budget session. Itoo detailed that the vacancies span a range of critical roles, including doctors, paramedics, and support staff, out of the department’s total sanctioned posts. This aligns with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s earlier acknowledgment on March 4 of 32,474 vacant posts across 37 government departments, with Health and Medical Education bearing the largest share.
Far from downplaying the issue, Itoo framed it as an opportunity for action. “The government is fully aware of the situation and is working diligently to fill these gaps,” she said in her written reply. She pointed to recent efforts, including the referral of 660 non-gazetted posts to the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) since the current administration took office on October 16, 2024, as evidence of momentum. Additionally, the appointment of 365 Medical Officers in November 2024 demonstrates tangible progress in strengthening the healthcare workforce.
The minister also noted that recruitment processes through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission and JKSSB are underway for numerous other positions, including 290 consultant posts and around 550 Medical Officer roles previously identified as vacant. “Our focus is on rationalising manpower and ensuring that existing resources are utilised effectively,” Itoo added, suggesting a strategic approach to tackling the crisis despite constraints like a January 2025 Finance Department order barring the creation of new posts.
While the scale of the vacancies—nearly 16,000—has raised eyebrows, the government’s response has been met with cautious optimism. The Health Department’s efforts to prioritize recruitment and streamline operations reflect a broader commitment under the Omar Abdullah-led administration to improve public services. With J&K’s rugged terrain and dispersed population, a robust healthcare system is essential, and these steps could pave the way for meaningful change.
Challenges remain, as opposition MLAs have urged faster action to address the impact on patient care, particularly in rural areas. Yet, Itoo’s assurances and the government’s recent recruitment successes suggest that the tide may be turning.
With the budget session in full swing, the government has an opportunity to build on its early gains. If the current trajectory holds, J&K’s Health Department could soon see a revitalised workforce, bringing much-needed relief to a system under strain.