Srinagar, November 1:The Jammu and Kashmir Government has admitted that healthcare delivery in the Dooru constituency of South Kashmir continues to suffer due to an acute shortage of specialist doctors and essential diagnostic infrastructure.
In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Dooru, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, the Health and Medical Education Department informed the Legislative Assembly that the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Dooru has been functioning without several key specialists, including an Anesthetist, Radiologist, and Pathologist.
The department also conceded that a shortage of medical officers and paramedical staff continues to affect nearby Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs) in the constituency.
Officials said that while recruitment for vacant posts is underway through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Services Selection Board (JKSSB), interim arrangements have been made by temporarily deploying medical personnel from adjoining hospitals to manage patient care and emergency services.
The government also noted that funds from the Hospital Development Fund (HDF) are being utilized to upgrade emergency wards, strengthen diagnostic facilities, and meet minor infrastructure requirements within the available resources.
Further, the department said that proposals have been submitted to the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, seeking the procurement of advanced diagnostic and laboratory equipment to improve service delivery and reduce patient referrals to distant tertiary hospitals.
Local residents and health activists, however, continue to express concern over the persistent staff shortages and the lack of round-the-clock specialist care, which they say often forces patients to travel to Anantnag or Srinagar for even basic medical needs.
Despite these challenges, the department reiterated its commitment to augment manpower, modernize facilities, and enhance patient care in the Dooru subdivision in a phased manner.
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