The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

SRINAGAR: Minister for Health & Medical Education Sakeena Itoo today informed the Legislative Assembly that there is a shortage of medical and paramedical staff in certain healthcare institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, with the extent varying from institution to institution depending upon sanctioned strength, existing vacancies, functional requirements and service delivery needs.

The Minister was replying to a question raised by MLA Hazratbal Salman Ali Sagar. Sakeena Itoo informed the House that the Health & Medical Education Department is continuously monitoring the manpower position across healthcare institutions with the objective of ensuring optimum utilisation of available human resources and uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services.

She said that wherever required, available medical and paramedical manpower is being rationally deployed and adjusted among healthcare institutions, keeping in view patient load, functional requirements, institutional needs, availability of specialised services and overall public health requirements. The Minister stated that the Government is taking necessary measures to ensure that manpower constraints do not adversely affect the delivery of essential healthcare services.

Responding to the specific query regarding the impact of staff shortages on healthcare delivery in District Srinagar, the Minister informed the House that health services across Jammu and Kashmir are presently functioning smoothly. She said that wherever shortages exist, these are being supplemented through the deployment/engagement of staff under the National Health Mission (NHM), as permissible.

“Consequently, there is no adverse impact on the delivery of healthcare services in District Srinagar,” the Minister informed the House. On the issue of shortage of doctors, nurses and allied staff at SKIMS, Sakeena Itoo stated that the health services there are running smoothly at present. The Minister said the available manpower is being utilised optimally, while vacancies are being addressed through recruitment and permissible alternative arrangements to ensure continuity of patient-care services.

The Minister reiterated that the Government remains focused on ensuring the availability of adequate healthcare manpower and strengthening service delivery across Jammu and Kashmir. She said that the Department is adopting a combination of rational deployment, recruitment, NHM engagement and other permissible arrangements to address manpower gaps and ensure that healthcare institutions continue to provide uninterrupted patient-care services.

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