Srinagar, June 6: Jammu and Kashmir has proposed a major expansion of medical education with plans to add 300 MBBS seats, 243 postgraduate MD/MS seats and 64 DM/MCh super-specialty seats across its medical institutions as part of a broader effort to strengthen healthcare services and medical infrastructure in the Union Territory.
The proposal was disclosed by Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education, M. Raju, during a high-level review of health sector reforms chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo here on Friday.
Raju said several proposals for enhancing undergraduate, postgraduate and super-specialty seats have already undergone inspection and approval processes with the National Medical Commission (NMC) and other regulatory authorities.
The proposed expansion comes amid ongoing reforms aimed at improving tertiary and secondary healthcare services, medical education, digital health infrastructure and access to specialized treatment facilities across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing the meeting, the Chief Secretary stressed the need to strengthen trauma care, emergency medicine and critical care services in all tertiary healthcare institutions, describing them as key determinants of quality healthcare outcomes. He also called for extending the benefits of health sector reforms to district and sub-district hospitals, particularly in areas without Government Medical Colleges.
Dulloo directed the department to adopt a technology-driven approach in healthcare delivery by expanding Virtual Medical Boards, introducing virtual academic sessions and strengthening online teaching platforms in peripheral institutions.
He also emphasized the need for a robust monitoring and accountability framework supported by information technology to assess healthcare services and institutional performance in real time.
During the meeting, officials informed that Tele-MANAS and tele-psychiatry services have been operationalized in major institutions, while mental health and de-addiction facilities have witnessed significant expansion. A three-tier Substance Use Disorder (SUD) framework has also been developed to strengthen prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and community-based support systems across the Union Territory.
The meeting was informed that more than 3,200 grassroots workers are being trained under the proposed “Circle of Care” programme to create a community support network for early identification, counselling, referral and rehabilitation of individuals affected by substance abuse.
In another major development, Director SKIMS, Dr Ashraf Ganai, informed that a Jammu and Kashmir Research Consortium has been established to promote collaborative research among SKIMS, Government Medical Colleges and AIIMS Jammu. The initiative aims to strengthen medical research, innovation and evidence-based policymaking in the healthcare sector.
Officials also revealed that Tele-ICU facilities are proposed to be established in seven new Government Medical Colleges under a hub-and-spoke model to improve critical care services, while tele-radiology services are being developed to provide specialist support to healthcare institutions in remote areas.
The review also highlighted progress in food safety regulation. Officials informed the Chief Secretary that more than 1,700 food safety cases were adjudicated during the last financial year, resulting in penalties exceeding Rs 1.67 crore. Significant advances have also been made in laboratory modernization and expansion of testing facilities.
The meeting further discussed upcoming initiatives in mental health, dental healthcare and liver transplant services. Officials said collaborations with premier institutions have been initiated to establish advanced liver and biliary care services in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Secretary called for setting measurable targets for the next six months, one year and two years and reiterated that the ultimate goal of the reforms is to ensure accessible, affordable and quality healthcare for every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir.
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