SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today informed the Legislative Assembly that Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, Gangyal, previously functioning as Leprosy Hospital, has a 50-bedded health infrastructure and the options to optimally utilize the health infrastructure of the said hospital are being explored. The Minister said this in response to a question raised by Legislator Devinder Kumar Manyal on behalf of MLA Dr. Narinder Singh Raina.

Regarding upgradation of the hospital to a 50-bedded Sub-District Hospital, the Minister informed that the bed capacity of the hospital has already been upgraded to 50-beds. She added that the population of catchment areas of the hospital is approximately 45,000-50,000, which does not qualify it for up-gradation to the CHC/SDH level as per IPHS Guidelines. She added that scores of hospitals of the level of tertiary and secondary care are available within the vicinity including other PMJAY-SEHAT empanelled hospitals.

The Minister added that to optimally utilize the health infrastructure in the best interests of patient care, options to further strengthen the health facilities is being explored.

Regarding  dearth of doctors at SDH R.S. Pura, the Minister informed that against 14 sanctioned posts of doctors under regular establishment, 12 doctors are presently in position, comprising the BMO, Consultant Surgeon, Consultant Physician, Consultant Gynaecologist, Consultant Anaesthetist, Consultant Paediatrician, Medical Officers and Dental Surgeon. In addition, six doctors are in position against seven permissible NHM positions, including four RBSK Doctors, she said.

She highlighted that 18 doctors are presently available at SDH R.S. Pura against 21 sanctioned/permissible posts, with only 3 posts are vacant.

 Regarding paramedical/non-gazetted staff, the Minister informed that 292 vacant posts pertaining to Family Welfare, MCH & Immunization and 290 non-gazetted/paramedical posts under the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu have already been referred to JKSSB for recruitment. She added that the selected candidates shall be posted against identified vacancies as per the assessed manpower requirements, which will further strengthen healthcare services in staff-deficient areas, including the aforesaid constituency.

The Minister also said that 839 Non-Gazetted vacancies and 261 MTS (Class-IV) posts in Jammu Division are under examination and shall be referred to JKSSB for recruitment after completion of the requisite process and obtaining the concurrence of the Finance Department.

No: PR/DI/26/2079/

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