Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 15: A considerable number of positions are currently vacant in three Medical blocks across the Kashmir division and none of the Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in these blocks underwent any upgradation during 2022.
The information was provided by the Zainapora Medical Block in South Kashmir’s Shopian, Handwara Medical Block, and Zachaldara Medical Block in the north of the Kashmir Valley. The vacancy count amounts to approximately 93 posts.
In Zainapora Medical Block, out of the total 24 sanctioned Gazetted posts, 19 are currently filled, leaving 5 positions vacant. These vacancies include one Consultant, two Medical Officers, and two deputation-reserved posts for Medical Officers.
Among the Non-Gazetted posts, 23 out of 51 sanctioned positions are occupied, while 28 remain vacant. The vacant positions consist of Pharmacists, Dental professionals, Theatre technicians, and others.
Notably, out of the eight sanctioned Junior Nurse posts, only two are currently filled. In terms of Class-IV posts in the Zainapora Medical Block, 14 out of 20 sanctioned positions are occupied, with 6 positions remaining vacant.
The Handwara Medical Block’s RTI reply indicates that out of the 18 sanctioned doctor posts, 11 are currently filled, leaving 7 positions vacant. Additionally, out of the sanctioned 80 paramedic posts, 54 are currently filled, while 26 positions remain vacant.
Similarly, in Zachaldara Medical Block, 7 out of 10 sanctioned Medical Officer positions are currently filled, with 3 positions remaining vacant. The reply further states that out of the sanctioned 47 paramedic posts, 29 are currently filled, while 18 positions remain vacant.
The total number of sanctioned positions in these three Medical blocks amounts to 250. However, only 157 positions are currently filled, leaving 93 posts vacant, representing approximately 37.20% of the total positions. All three medical blocks also confirmed that no PHCs underwent upgradation in 2022.
The RTI reply also addressed the availability of diagnostic facilities and specialist Gynaecologists in these medical blocks. The Zainapora Medical Block stated that Gynaecologists are available only at the Community Health Center (CHC) level.
The Handwara Medical Block confirmed through the reply that no Gynaecologists are currently posted within the block. However, PHC Batpora and other healthcare facilities in the block are equipped with X-Ray and USG facilities.
Follow our WhatsApp channel