Around 550 posts of Medical Officers vacant across J&K: Minister Javed Dar in Assembly

Jammu, Mar 18 (KB): “Around 550 posts of Medical Officers (MOs) are vacant in Jammu and Kashmir with selection of 181 MOs in process”, stated Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Javed Ahmad Dar, while replying on behalf of Minister for Health and Medical Education to a clubbed question raised by Dr. Sajad Shafi and Javed Hassan Beig in the Legislative Assembly.

The Minister informed that 57 health institutes are functional in Sheeri and Kreeri blocks of Baramulla district. The sanctioned staff including Medical Officers and paramedics in block Kreeri is 157, 121 are in place while 36 are vacant. Similarly, the sanctioned staff in block Sheeri is 330, 223 are in position and 107 are vacant. These posts included regular category and NHM, he added.

The Minister said that the land acquisition in respect of CHC Chandoosa is under process and the matter has been taken up with the concerned revenue authorities for identification of state land.

He added that an amount of Rs. 8 lakh has been released for land compensation of NTPHC Laridora during the year 2021-2022 which has been kept at the disposal of District Development Commissioner, Baramulla. The said amount could not be paid to the landowner due to closure of the financial year and the funds were lapsed. However, construction of NTPHC on aforementioned land has been completed and presently NTPHC Laridora has been functioning from this newly constructed building since September 2024.

The Minister informed the House that the department is making sustained efforts to address the ongoing issue of vacancies of Medical Officers, which presently stands at approximately around 550 posts. He added that the selection process for 181 Medical Officer posts is still underway with JKPSC and once the selection is completed, they will be posted to health institutions experiencing severe staff shortages.

The Minister further informed the House that the department is also in the process of operating a waitlist for 91 selected Medical Officers, who will be deployed to under-served areas across Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen the healthcare delivery.

Regarding vacancies of MOs in Baramulla district, the Minister informed the House that, out of a sanctioned strength of 275 MOs, 219 are in position and 56 are vacant across different Medical Blocks of the district.

He also stated that, out of 365 recently appointed Medical Officers, 39 have been posted to district Baramulla to address the staff shortages and enhance healthcare services.

The Minister further informed that additional 11 staff members from NHM and 71 from Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), including doctors and paramedics, have been deployed in Baramulla which significantly improved the healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas of the district.

Legislators; Mubarak Gul and Mir Saifullah raised the supplementaries to the question. (KB)

Weather Update for Jammu & Kashmir: March 18, 2025

Forecast for the Upcoming Days

The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has issued the latest weather forecast for Jammu & Kashmir, covering the period from March 18 to March 31, 2025. The overall outlook suggests stable weather conditions with occasional spells of light rain and snow over higher reaches.

Detailed Weather Forecast:

• March 18–26: The weather is expected to remain generally dry across most parts of Jammu & Kashmir. However, there is a possibility of light snowfall over isolated higher reaches in North Kashmir on the night of March 19.
• March 27–28: A fresh spell of light rain and snowfall (in higher reaches) is expected at scattered places across the region.
• March 29–31: The weather will likely be dry and stable once again, making it favorable for outdoor activities and travel.

Advisory for Travelers and Residents

The Meteorological Centre has issued an important advisory for various groups, urging them to stay informed and take necessary precautions:

✅ Travelers, Tourists & Transporters:

• Follow the latest administration and traffic advisories to avoid disruptions due to sudden weather changes.
• Exercise caution while traveling to higher altitudes, especially in areas prone to snowfall or landslides.

✅ Farmers:

• Continue farm operations as usual, as the weather will mostly remain dry and suitable for agricultural activities.

✅ General Public:

• Avoid avalanche-prone and slopy areas, particularly in higher altitudes, as minor snow spells may increase the risk of landslides and avalanches.

Final Note

With mostly dry weather and only brief periods of rain or snow, the upcoming days provide a great opportunity for travel and agricultural work in Jammu & Kashmir. However, it is advisable to stay updated with official weather reports and follow safety guidelines to ensure a smooth experience.

For real-time weather updates, follow MET Centre Srinagar.