Frightening shortage of manpower and infrastructure in Health sector have come to light. The first case is of Pediatric Wing of SMGS Hospital. Low patient-doctor ratio in this department can be gauged from the data that for 380 beds only seven regular faculty members are available. This is far below the norms set forth by the Medical Council of India. According to prescribed norms a cluster of 30 beds would make one unit but actually there are only two units for 380 beds. Strange to mention that the 12-member House Panel of the Legislature had recommended in its report to the Government to expedite filling up of vacant faculties and paramedical posts. This recommendation has been collecting dust and on the ground no action has been taken. Thus the position in the SMGS Pediatric Wing is neither the Government cares for the shortage of manpower nor does the recommendation of the House Committee work. Ultimately it is the public that suffers.
Yet another report indicates, there is a deficiency of 238 sub-centers in 18 districts of the State, most of which are located in far-flung areas. The State has deficiency of 1,757 health institutions and over 6700 vacancies of employees including doctors in Health and Medical Education Department. When will this deficiency be covered is a million-dollar question. Have the Government financial resources at its disposal to meet this shortfall, and within what time? The information provided to the Assembly reveals that Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, lacks 42 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 122 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and 898 Sub-Centres (SCs) as per population norms. Similarly, the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu, is deficient by 22 CHCs, 79 PHCs and 594 SCs. It seems an uphill task for the Government to meet this huge shortfall. This means that the Government shall have to propose a mega scheme for bringing health services to the far-flung areas of the hilly state within a stipulated time frame.
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