J&K struggles with doctor-patient ratio of 1:1880; recruitment, NHM services initiated to bridge healthcare gap
JAMMU, Apr 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has revealed that the doctor-to-patient ratio across the Union Territory currently stands at a concerning 1:1880, well below the recommended norms. This figure, indicating that one doctor is responsible for nearly 1,900 patients, underscores the challenges faced by the healthcare system in catering to the growing medical needs of the population.
The information was disclosed by the Minister In-charge of Health and Medical Education Department in a written reply to a question posed by Irfan Hafiz Lone, the MLA from Wagoora-Kreeri constituency, during the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly.
Highlighting steps being taken to address the shortfall, the Minister stated that the department is actively referring vacant posts of Medical Officers and Assistant Professors to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) for timely recruitment. As part of these efforts, 365 Medical Officers and 105 Assistant Professors have already been appointed recently.
To further supplement the availability of medical professionals, the Government is also relying on the National Health Mission (NHM) to fill critical gaps. Presently, under NHM, 96 Specialists, 418 Allopathic Medical Officers, and 874 Ayush practitioners are engaged on a contractual basis to provide healthcare services across the Union Territory.
While staffing at various healthcare institutions such as Primary Health Centres (PHCs), New Type PHCs (NTPHCs), and Sub-Centres (SCs) is reportedly in accordance with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), the Government admitted that IPHS norms do not provide for specialist services at PHC level — a limitation that continues to restrict access to advanced care in rural and semi-rural areas.
Focusing on healthcare infrastructure in the Wagoora-Kreeri constituency, the Minister informed that 17 health institutions are currently operational, including CHC Kreeri, two PHCs, four NTPHCs, and ten Sub-Centres. These centres offer services such as free screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like Diabetes, Hypertension, and cancers (Oral, Breast, and Cervical). Additionally, essential drugs and diagnostic services are being provided at no cost to the patients. PHCs are equipped with 175 types of medicines and 39 diagnostics, while SCs have 96 medicines and 14 diagnostic tools available.
Regarding infrastructure expansion, the Minister stated that administrative approval has been granted for constructing additional floors (G+2) at SDH/CHC Kreeri, with the project currently in the tendering phase under the R&B Department.
However, on the question of upgrading Sub-Centre Wagoora to the level of a New Type PHC, the Minister clarified that the proposal does not meet the IPHS criteria. He explained that the village population of Wagoora is approximately 3,000, and the adjoining areas account for around 7,000 residents. Healthcare needs of the area are already being addressed by nearby facilities including SDH Kreeri (4.5 km away), PHC Sharkwara (3.2 km away), and PHC Kalantra (6 km away).
The reply reflects both the scale of healthcare challenges in Jammu and Kashmir and the efforts being made to address systemic gaps through structured recruitment, augmentation of services via NHM, and expansion of infrastructure where feasible. However, the data also highlights the need for continued focus on healthcare planning, especially in underserved and rural regions of the UT.
