Catering To Local Needs: Jammu And Kashmir To Get Five New Medical Colleges By 2019 

Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Satya Pal Malik, has directed the expeditious completion of five new medical colleges in the state. He has asked for the quick completion of all infrastructural requirements and legal formalities so that the colleges can start operating from 2019.

The Centre has sanctioned 189 crores for each of the five medical colleges to be established at Rajouri, Doda, Kathua, Anantnag and Baramulla. Malik has asked for fast-track recruitment of faculty and para-medical staff for these colleges, and for Medical Council of India norms to be met as quickly as possible, as per a report by India Today.

The Governor asked Principal Secretary of Health and Medical Education Department, Atal Dulloo, to personally ensure the expedited completion of these colleges along with the recruitment of the necessary staff in coordination with the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The shortage of doctors is being addressed by referring 1,000 vacant posts to the PSC. Another 535 doctors are to be engaged under the National Health Mission (NHM) in remote areas. The State Administrative Council (SAC) has also given an extension in joining time to 254 doctors. This extension is supposed to be a one-time exception.