The state of human health and medical education in Jammu and Kashmir is facing a serious but often overlooked challenge. Across the Union Territory’s nine Government Medical Colleges, nearly half of all sanctioned posts remain vacant, leaving doctors, nurses, and staff struggling to meet the growing demands of patients and students alike. Official data shows that out of a total sanctioned strength of 10,717 posts, 4,886 are unfilled. This shortage has placed immense pressure on healthcare delivery, academic schedules, and essential medical services, highlighting the urgent need for sustained attention and timely action.
At the heart of this situation are institutions that serve as lifelines for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In the Government Medical College Jammu, the premier hospital of the region, 335 out of 908 posts for faculty, senior residents, and tutors are lying vacant. Among paramedical staff, 1,426 positions remain unfilled, leaving only 1,560 employees to handle thousands of patients each day. Despite their commitment, these limited teams are often overstretched, balancing patient care with teaching responsibilities. The newer medical colleges, established with the noble intention of strengthening healthcare access in far-flung areas, are also facing similar shortages. At GMC Kathua, 82 gazetted and 267 non-gazetted posts are vacant, affecting both clinical services and medical training. GMC Doda faces a deficit of 341 posts across various categories, hampering diagnostic and specialized care. GMC Rajouri, which caters to the hilly Pir Panjal region, has 191 posts vacant, while GMC Udhampur, one of the newest institutions, is struggling with one of the most severe staff shortages in the Union Territory. Out of 299 sanctioned gazetted posts, only 153 are filled, and among 467 non-gazetted posts, just 39 employees are available. There is no multitasking staff, and the nursing strength is limited to 29 against a sanctioned 163. Only 12 technical staff are available against 209 sanctioned posts, making the institution heavily reliant on temporary arrangements. In the Kashmir Valley, the picture remains equally concerning. GMC Srinagar, the oldest medical college of the region, is functioning with only 137 faculty members against 317 sanctioned posts. Among non-gazetted and support staff, over 400 vacancies persist. Despite the dedication of doctors and nurses, the shortage has created long working hours, burnout, and difficulty in maintaining teaching and clinical standards. GMC Anantnag, while performing better in faculty recruitment, still faces gaps in nursing and paramedical categories. Out of 178 nursing posts, only 93 are filled, and among 196 paramedical posts, only 89 are occupied. GMC Baramulla and GMC Handwara are in similar positions, struggling to fill essential teaching and technical roles, which are critical to both hospital operations and academic growth. Such a vast manpower deficit inevitably affects not just institutions, but also the people they serve. Patients in need of timely care often face delays, and students pursuing medicine find their learning experience diminished by the shortage of faculty and training opportunities. Behind the numbers are human lives—patients who rely on these hospitals for treatment, and young doctors who depend on them for their education and guidance. While the challenge is significant, the way forward is clear and achievable. The government can make a lasting difference by launching a mission-mode recruitment drive to fill vacant posts and by conducting a comprehensive manpower audit to identify critical needs. A transparent and merit-based selection process, coupled with incentives for professionals to serve in rural and difficult areas, can restore balance to the system. The focus should also extend beyond recruitment, emphasizing better working conditions, continuous training, and the mental well-being of healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to serving others.
Human health is the foundation of every prosperous society, and those entrusted with preserving it deserve the full support of the system they serve. The Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Kashmir have immense potential to become centres of medical excellence and compassion. By addressing the gaps in staffing and strengthening human resource management, the administration can ensure that every patient receives quality care and every medical student receives the guidance they deserve. The health of a community reflects the strength of its institutions, and now is the time to renew that strength with empathy, commitment, and vision.