Minister for Health, Sakeena Itoo, today affirmed Government’s commitment towards strengthening the existing health infrastructure and filling up of all vacancies in the health sector.

The Minister was replying to a question raised by Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir in the Legislative Assembly.

The Minister informed that J&K is one of the top runners among the large States/UTs (with population more than 1 crore) in health institution density in the country. She informed that the report published in 2023 by MoHFW, Gol, indicates that J&K has health institution on every 3500 souls against an average 6000 souls at national level. Moreover, the feasibility for up-gradation and establishment of new ones are examined in terms of IPHS-2022 norms.

Referring to the healthcare services in Rajpora Constituency, the Minister informed that out of a total of 34 health facilities 31 have been upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) to provide improved packages of services to the local population.

She said that the CHC Rajpora, which is in proximity to District Hospital Pulwama (11 km), is already catering to secondary-level healthcare services to the residents of the area.

Regarding the manpower, the Minister informed that the CHC Rajpora has sanctioned strength of 07 specialists, 12 Medical Officers, and 54 paramedical staff.

The Minister maintained that the upcoming Tertiary Care facility AIIMS, Awantipora, Kashmir, is also strategically located at a distance of 25 Km. So, it would be improper to say that the healthcare facilities in Rajpora Constituency have not been upgraded to next level in so many years, she maintained.

The Minister informed that, as of now, J&K is working on consolidation of existing healthcare facilities as around 4000 health institutions at various levels (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary) exists.