No proposal to establish Trauma hospital at Tikri: Govt

Jammu, Mar 22: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday said that there was no proposal for the establishment of Trauma hospital at Tikri while the department is exploring incentivising staff posted in remote areas.
Replying to the question of Ranbir Singh Pathania, the Health and Medical Education Department Minister, Sakeena Itoo said that there is no proposal for the establishment of Trauma Hospital at Tikri.
As per the guidelines of the Government of India, the Trauma Hospital should be established within 60 kilometers of a distance on the National Highway. The distance between Trauma Hospital Udhampur (GMC), Udhampur, and Government Medical M College, Jammu is less than 60 kilometers.
However, the possibility of the opening of Accident Hospital at Manwal in the Udhampur District shall be explored in consultation with the Hon’ble MLA Udhampur and other stakeholders after adhering to the provision envisaged under IPHS Norms 2022.
“NTPHC Dudu and PHC Basantgarh are located more than 100 km from the District headquarter, but PHC Moungri, PHC Panchari, and PHC Latti are located less than 100 km. Moreover, the facility Lab testing, X-ray, Ambulances are being stationed at these institutes to meet any eventuality and shifting of patients to the next higher healthcare facility,” she said.
It is important to highlight that the department is actively working to fill vacancies in District Udhampur to ensure the continued delivery of healthcare services in District Udhampur,” she said in a reply.
“It is noteworthy that out of the 365 recently appointed Medical Officers, 17 Medical Officers were posted in various health Institutions of District Udhampur. Important to highlight that the selection process for 181 Medical Officer posts is still underway with the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). Once selections are received, the appointed doctors will be assigned to health institutions experiencing severe staff shortages,” Sakina added.
“Moreover, 292 vacancies in the non-gazetted/paramedical category from the Directorate of Family Welfare, Maternity and Child Health (MCH), and Immunization, 38K alth (MCH), and 290 vacancies in the n the non-gazetted/paramedical category from the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu have been referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JBK SSB) for recruitment. This will significantly enhance and strengthen the healthcare system in under-served areas,” Sakina added.
“The H&ME Department is exploring the proposal of incentivizing the Medics/Paramedical staff posted in remote/ hilly areas, so as to ensure retention of staff in remote locations. At present, to ensure retention of M.Os in remote areas, the doctors who serve in remote areas for 03 years are allowed to proceed for tenure assignment, as an inducement for motivation. The Department is conceptualizing the Introduction of the bond system for medical officers for rendering fixed years of service in remote areas, failing which the department can initiate disciplinary proceedings against the defaulters,” she added. (KNO)