SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today informed the Legislative Assembly that Government Nursing College has already been approved at Budgam and the proposal for creation of manpower for the College is under consideration for making the college operational. The Minister said this in reply to a question raised by Legislator Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani in House today.

The Minister informed the House that the Department is presently focussing on consolidation of existing healthcare delivery system. She added that critical gaps, if any, are being evaluated through necessary feasibility assessment and introduction of digital interventions like tele-consultation, e-Sanjeevni etc; to extend the outreach of healthcare delivery system.

The Minister further informed that as of now, there is no proposal for establishing Nursing College at Beerwah or Trauma Hospital at Magam. “As per the prescribed guidelines, a minimum of 73 staff members are required for making a basic Level-III Trauma Centre fully functional, including specialized manpower such as General Surgeon, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Anaesthetist and Radiographer”, she said.

The Minister added that the operationalization of such a Trauma Centre entails an annual financial implication estimated at ₹5 crore towards manpower and related requirements. She further added that the cases related to trauma care are being taken care through existing health facilities like DH Budgam, SDH Beerwah, SDH Magam and tertiary-level hospitals like JVC Bemina, SMHS Hospital, etc.

She also said that need assessment will be evaluated at an appropriate stage to ascertain the feasibility for both demands and necessary action taken in accordance with the rules/ norms.

Regarding upgradation of existing Sub-Centres at Charangam, Iskanderpora and SK-Pora to NTPHCs, the Minister informed that as per the population norm under the IPHS Guidelines (20,000 for hilly /difficult areas & 30,000 for plain areas), the Sub Centres at Charangam, Iskanderpora and SK-Pora does not qualify for next level of upgradation.

She also added that there is no proposal to establish new Health Sub-Centres at Lassipora, Nusso and Bandgam as the department is presently focusing on consolidation of existing healthcare delivery system.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here