Doctors Posted Over 3–4 Years at One Place to Be Shifted in Major Reshuffle: Health Minister Sakina Itoo

Sachnews Jammu Kashmir

Srinagar, July 28:

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, announced that the government is preparing for a major reshuffle of doctors and medical staff across the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the minister as per Sachnews Jammu Kashmir said that doctors who have been posted at one location for more than three to four years will be relocated as part of the reform. The move is expected to strengthen patient care and improve emergency response systems in under-served areas.

“Some doctors have been stationed at the same place for 8 to 10 years. There is a pressing need to reshuffle such postings to ensure equitable distribution of healthcare services, especially in remote areas,” she said.

The minister cited recent field visits to emergency hospitals in Qazigund and Srinagar, where she observed critical gaps in infrastructure and service delivery, including the non-functional operation theatre (OT) at one hospital.

“If an emergency patient arrives at night and the OT is closed, we’re left with no choice but to refer them to Srinagar. That delay could cost lives — especially in cases of hemorrhage, trauma, or heart attacks,” she said.

Sakina Itoo emphasized that while the present government is actively working to fix the issues, many of the problems in the health and education sectors have been inherited.

“We didn't create these problems — they are the result of neglect over the past 10 years. But that does not mean we will shy away from our responsibility. We are committed to correcting the system and ensuring better healthcare for all,” she added.

The minister also acknowledged the shortage of doctors in government hospitals but highlighted the efforts made so far.

“Since this government came into power, over 500 new doctors have been appointed. Many consultants selected through the J&K Service Selection Board (JKSSB) have been posted to far-flung areas,” she stated.

She further stressed that new recruitment drives are essential to close existing gaps but reiterated that reshuffling current postings is an equally important step.

“A major reshuffle is not just necessary, it's unavoidable. Our focus is to ensure that patient care is not compromised due to administrative stagnation,” she concluded.