J&K Governor wants 5 new medical colleges functional by 2019
Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Satya Pal Malik, has called for expeditious completion of all necessary infrastructural and other facilities to ensure that the five new medical colleges in the state start functioning from the next academic session. The medical colleges are coming up at Rajouri, Doda, Kathua, Anantnag, and Baramulla, for which the Central Government has sanctioned Rs. 189 crore each.
Governor directed Health Secretary to monitor progress of colleges
Malik also directed for fast-tracking recruitment of faculty and para-medical staff and completing all necessary requirements to fulfill the Medical Council of India (MCI) norms for formally starting the academic activities in these colleges in 2019. Reviewing the functioning of the Health and Medical Education Department on Wednesday evening, the Governor directed Principal Secretary, Atal Dulloo, to personally monitor the progress of these colleges.
Dulloo assures work on all colleges progressing well
Malik also asked Dulloo to maintain close coordination with the Public Service Commission (PSC) and services selection recruitment board for early selection of all referred posts and putting up the requisite infrastructure in place within the set time frame. The IAS officer said the work on all five colleges is in full swing and is likely to be achieved as per target.
1,000 posts of medical officers have been referred to PSC
Dulloo informed that necessary steps are being taken to arrange make-shift accommodation for these colleges before the visit of MCI team in December. To overcome the paucity of doctors, he said 1,000 posts of medical officers have been referred to the PSC. Besides, 535 doctors have been engaged under the National Health Mission (NHM) in the far-flung areas to supplement the services, he said.
SAC approves extension of joining time of 254 medical officers
Meanwhile, the State Administrative Council (SAC) approved the proposal of the Health and Medical Education Department to grant extension in the joining time of 254 medical officers as a one-time exception, an official spokesman said. On joining the department, they will have to work in far-flung and backward areas of the state for a minimum period of five years, he said.
