SRINAGAR: Minister Sakina Itoo on Wednesday said the shortage of doctors in remote areas is a long-standing issue inherited from previous administrations and cannot be resolved overnight.
“This crisis has built up over six years of neglect,” she told reporters. “You can’t expect a turnaround in just one year. It takes time to rebuild infrastructure and staff.”
Itoo said the Omar Abdullah-led government is working to strengthen healthcare by focusing on human resources. “We’ve issued 309 appointment orders for degree-holders to serve in remote areas, and recently added another 111 to improve healthcare delivery.”
She noted progress in specialist recruitment through the Services Selection Board (SSB) and said deployment is underway.
While infrastructure has improved, she admitted gaps remain. “Buildings were constructed, but many lack equipment and essential staff. We now need to consolidate these gains.”
