Healthcare is the backbone of any society and ensuring its accessibility to the remotest corners is both a moral imperative and a measure of good governance. The recent meeting chaired by Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Secretary to address the acute shortage of doctors in far-flung areas is a commendable step towards bridging the existing healthcare gap. The deliberations highlighted the urgent need to address the uneven distribution of medical personnel across the Union Territory. While it is heartening to note that 71 percent of sanctioned medical positions are filled, the stark realities faced by peripheral districts demand immediate attention. Health centres in remote areas with challenging terrain, frequently affected by road blockages due to snowfall, must ensure adequate availability of doctors. The recent incident of a child being delivered along a snow-blocked roadside in Kupwara starkly highlights the current state of healthcare in these regions. The roadmap envisioned during the meeting reflects a multi-pronged strategy encompassing incentives, infrastructural enhancements, and rationalisation of resources. The proposal to provide a non-practising allowance and additional benefits to doctors serving in remote areas is a pragmatic step. Additionally, better amenities for doctors and their families in these areas will go a long way.
The emphasis on telemedicine is another forward-thinking initiative. Establishing telemedicine kiosks in remote health facilities can connect patients with specialists in urban centres. This will ensure that geographical remoteness does not translate into compromised healthcare. The rationalisation of the District Residency Program is another critical step. By ensuring a balanced positioning of doctors across all districts, the healthcare system can address disparities more effectively. The proposal to extend this residency program to sub-district hospitals in remote blocks is particularly significant. This will also provide medical graduates with valuable hands-on experience in diverse settings. While these steps are promising, their success depends on meticulous planning and swift implementation. The H&ME Department must ensure that the proposed measures are translated into actionable outcomes. Transparent monitoring mechanisms should be implemented to evaluate progress and address bottlenecks.
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