Jammu and Kashmir’s government is stepping up its game in healthcare, with a massive Rs 124.83 crore allocation to bring cutting-edge facilities to the region. Health Minister Sakina Itoo shared the exciting update on X, highlighting key upgrades promised in Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s budget speech. These include a CT Scan at GMC Jammu, MRI machines at GMC Baramulla, GMC Kathua, and GMC Rajouri, a Cath Lab at GMC Doda, a PET Scan at GMC Srinagar, and boosting telemedicine with 80 units across J&K. “Committed to stronger, accessible healthcare,” Itoo posted, showing the focus on making medical services easier for everyone.
This funding is part of a bigger push to transform J&K’s healthcare sector. The Centre recently added 50 MBBS seats, ensuring more trained doctors reach even the remotest areas of the Union Territory. Over the past decade, medical colleges in J&K have grown from just four to 11, including top institutions like Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and AIIMS Jammu. Other key spots are GMC Srinagar, GMC Jammu, and colleges in districts such as Anantnag, Baramulla, Kathua, Rajouri, Doda, Handwara, and Udhampur.
Now, these colleges offer over 1,400 MBBS seats. Nursing education is booming too, with 1,300 seats in government colleges and 2,000 in private ones. Healthcare access has improved dramatically in far-flung areas, thanks to primary health centres staffed with trained medical officers. Every district boasts a sub-district hospital and a district hospital, complete with OPD services and indoor patient care.
J&K’s healthcare system follows a three-tier structure, blending public and private facilities. Government programs like Ayushman Bharat and the National Health Mission (NHM) drive this growth, emphasizing better infrastructure and wider access. Big wins include more funding, new buildings, and digitizing health records—over 72 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts created under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Challenges like specialist shortages in rural spots persist, but the sector is adapting fast. Modern touches include Telemanas, a round-the-clock tele-mental health service for affordable mental health support. Emergency services got a boost with more ambulances and expanded medical oxygen plants. Hospital bed capacity jumped to 21,966, and specialized setups like AIIMS Awantipora are expanding options. Initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat’s PMJAY SEHAT scheme make treatment more affordable for families.
Overall, these efforts signal a brighter future for healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir, bringing advanced care closer to people in every corner.
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