| High Court takes serious note of healthcare staff shortage | | Seeks timeline to fill 6,775 vacancies in J&K | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 6: Expressing grave concern over the lackadaisical approach of the authorities in addressing the shortage of doctors and paramedical staff in Jammu and Kashmir, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the Government to submit a comprehensive affidavit specifying a definite timeline for filling 6,775 vacant posts of Medical Officers and paramedical personnel across the Union Territory.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal issued the directions while hearing PIL Nos. 2/2018 and 37/2013, concerning deficiencies in healthcare infrastructure, medical manpower and essential medical facilities.
The Bench observed that the shortage of medical personnel and inadequate staffing of hospitals directly affect healthcare delivery and touch upon the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Taking serious note of the situation, the Court directed the Principal Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, to file an affidavit detailing the proposed timeline for filling 714 vacancies of Medical Officers in the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, and 70 vacancies in the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir.
The Court further sought a time-bound recruitment plan for 5,991 vacant paramedical posts, comprising 3,247 vacancies in Jammu Division and 2,744 in Kashmir Division.
According to the status report placed before the Court, against a sanctioned strength of 2,859 Medical Officers, 2,019 are presently in position, while the report records 784 vacancies. Similarly, against 18,745 sanctioned paramedical posts, only 12,754 personnel are available, leaving 5,991 positions vacant.
The Bench also directed the Government to furnish district-wise details of vacancies of doctors and paramedical staff across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the hearing, Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, assisted by Advocate Malvika Gupta, apprised the Court of the steps being taken to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and medical services.
The Government submitted that approximately 3,200 additional hospital beds are proposed to be added by March 2027 through various ongoing healthcare infrastructure projects.
These include Critical Care Blocks, additional facilities at Government Medical Colleges, expansion of SKIMS Medical College Bemina, and infrastructure development at hospitals in Srinag r, Budgam and Rajouri.
The Court was further informed that work on 17 Critical Care Blocks under PM-ABHIM and ECRP-II was being expedited, while advanced diagnostic facilities, including Cath Labs, CT scans, MRI facilities, AI-based radiology systems, Tele-ICUs and Tele-Radiology services, were being strengthened.
The Government submitted that Cath Labs had already become operational at GMC Jammu and GMC Anantnag, while similar facilities were being established at GMC Baramulla and GMC Rajouri. A Cath Lab at GMC Doda is also in the pipeline.
Regarding organ transplantation, the Government informed the Bench that 357 corneal transplants and 502 renal transplants had been performed in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, the Court sought specific details regarding the proposed augmentation of critical organ transplantation facilities, particularly liver transplantation.
The Bench also directed the authorities to disclose the progress of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed flyover intended to provide safe access to essential medical facilities in Jammu.
Besides, the Government has been asked to provide details of vacant Dental Surgeon posts along with a time-bound recruitment plan.
The Court further sought timelines for strengthening cancer treatment facilities, dialysis services, HPV and cervical cancer-related services, and AI-based X-ray systems.
On the shortage of specialists, the Bench directed the Government to specify the timeline for filling vacant consultant posts and furnish information regarding manpower and infrastructure at 3,168 Health and Wellness Centres operating across the Union Territory.
The status report indicated that 621 consultants were available against a sanctioned strength of 884.
The Bench observed that the manner in which critical issues relating to Medical Officers, paramedical personnel and essential hospital staffing had been addressed was a matter of grave concern.
Emphasising the constitutional importance of adequate healthcare, the Court directed the authorities to submit the requisite comprehensive affidavit on or before the next date of hearing.
During the proceedings, Advocate S.S. Ahmed appeared as Amicus Curiae along with Advocate Amritaash Sharma, while Senior AAG Monika Kohli, assisted by Advocate Malvika Gupta, represented the Government. Advocate Athrav Mahajan appeared vice Senior Advocate Deepika Mahajan.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on November 25, 2026. (JNF) |
|
