Rural Health Statistics in JK present a depressing picture
Health centers short of almost 50 % manpower
Even when the state is reeling under surge of unemployment, the recent revelations of Rural Health Statistics show that health sector in Jammu and Kashmir is facing crucial dearth of almost 50 percent manpower, especially doctors.
The depressing picture presented by Rural Health Statistics-2014 clearly indicates that those at helm of affairs in the health department have paid little attention to the necessity of requisite manpower and other facilities in rural health care institutions, across the state.
According to the latest Rural Health Statistics, there are a total of 315 sanctioned posts of Specialist doctors for the Community Health Centres (CHCs) across the state. However, against this only 176 Specialist doctors are in place, while as 139 posts are lying vacant for the past quite long time.
Similarly, against 2253 sanctioned posts of Health Workers for Sub-Centres across the State, only 520 are filled while as 1733 posts are lying vacant. Likewise, against 1250 sanctioned posts of Nursing Staff for Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres, 902 are filled and 348 are lying vacant.
As per the laid down guidelines, a Sub-Centre is established to cater to a population of 300 in hilly areas and 500 in plain areas. Similarly, a PHC should cater to a population of 25000 in hilly areas and 40,000 in plain areas. A Community Health Centre in hilly area caters to a population of 80,000 and one lakh in plain areas.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, an official of Health department wishing anonymity revealed that the data of Rural Health Statistics raises several questions over the working of the department, “On one side, the educated youth of the state are upset over the dearth of jobs, and on the other hand health department despite having vacancies is reluctant to fill them,” said official.
He added that this shortage not only affects unemployed youth, but is also cumbersome for the practicing doctors.
“Due to shortage of specialist doctors, the already working doctors have to bear extra burden, as the load of patients is continuously increasing in District Hospitals,” said official, adding the patients are forced to visit district hospitals for specialized treatment, which otherwise was supposed to be provided at their doorsteps.
When contacted Director Health, Jammu Dr P S Pathania said that he cannot confirm the detail at moment, as he was busy with carrying out Polio camps.
