JAMMU, January 9, 2026 — Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, has directed health authorities to immediately streamline procedures and remove administrative bottlenecks that are delaying the appointment and posting of specialist doctors across the Union Territory.
While chairing a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the Minister emphasized that the timely referral of vacant positions for doctors, paramedics, and support staff is critical to addressing the manpower gaps currently hindering healthcare delivery.
She instructed the Principals of all Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) and Directors of Health Services to finalize recruitment rules and expedite the selection process through designated recruiting agencies.
A significant directive issued during the meeting was the immediate cancellation of all attachments for doctors and paramedics. Minister Itoo ordered that staff currently on attachment be redeployed to peripheral and far-flung areas facing acute shortages to ensure equitable healthcare access.
She tasked hospital heads with creating a comprehensive rationalization plan to fill specialist vacancies in underserved regions. Beyond infrastructure and staffing, the Minister also called for a proactive and compassionate approach toward drug abuse victims, urging the expansion of de-addiction and rehabilitation services, alongside enhanced psychological and social support systems.
Reaffirming the government’s people-centric vision, she underscored that strengthening medical institutions with adequate manpower remains a top priority to enhance the overall quality of patient care in Jammu and Kashmir.
