Staff shortage at SKIMS a challenge, issue raised with recruitment agencies: Govt

Srinagar, Mar 15: Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said that the shortage of staff at SKIMS Soura is a challenge as the patient load at OPD and IPD is increasing with each passing day.Replying to the question of MLA Tanvir Sadiq, Health and Medical Education Department Minister Sakina Itoo said that the patient load at OPD and IPD in SKIMS is increasing day by day, however, the shortage of staff is a challenge.In this regard the issue has been raised with concerned recruitment agencies. Furthermore H&ME Department recently notified the recruitment rules 2025 pertaining to SKIMS have been notified vide S.O 29 dated 23.01.2025 which will pave way for promotion of staff in different categories and will cause further vacancies at entry level,” she said.Regarding SMHS, Sakina said that the Government SMHS Hospital witnesses 3500 patients on a daily basis in causality, OPD & IPD and it is not a fact that the healthcare Infrastructure is under severe stress In Government Hospital Srinagar.The healthcare infrastructure is the first priority of the administration. Keeping in view, the rise in patient inflow, different projects like “Construction of Theatre block” with project cost of Rs. 5024.74 Lacs, “30 Bedded ENT Block” with project cost of Rs. 499.00 lacs is under construction alongwith up-gradation of Medical causality with estimated cost of Rs. 299.85 lacs and with a proposal for up-gradation of Triage & Augmentation of lifts,” she said.”These projects will provide further facilities like HD Waras (18 Bed) pre-post-operative wards (37) Drug /CSSD stores (2 each) Blood Bank, Gas Bank which will enhance the healthcare facilities in the said hospital,” she added.Regarding JLNM Sakina said that it is fact that the Hospital has witnessed a sharp rise in patient inflow, for which infrastructure is being developed by the H&ME Department, as one G 4 additional block is under process which shall be completed within short period of time by the executive agency (JKHB).”More over the CT scan has been installed recently. As far as the man power is concerned almost all the sanctioned posts of Consultants, Medical Officers are filled, but there are some posts of Paramedics lying vacant in this Hospital however such shortage is being compensated by the manpower provided under NHM,” she added—(KNO)