Jammu and Kashmir : 775 health centres in state make no headway

The 775 health centres proposed in Jammu and Kashmir have failed to make headway as the locations for the projects have still not been identified. Reportedly, these health centres have been proposed by New Delhi government. However, there has been no further development as successive state governments (in J&K) are yet to identify the locations.

As a result, the expected revamp of the ailing health sector in J&K (which is also reported to have a shortage of over 1500 health centres) is suffering even more.

The statistics of the health department further implied that both Jammu and Kashmir face a serious crisis if we look at the number of Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres, and the Sub Centres required. This health infrastructure forms the backbone of providing accessible services in every state.

More specifically, Kashmir division lacks 42 Community Health Centres, 122 Primary Health Centres and 898 Sub-Centres, while the Jammu province has shortage of 22 Community health centers, 79 Primary Health Centers and 594 sub-centers.

The officials in the health department further confirm the news by implying that a total of Rs 552 crore of investment is needed to a put a plan in to action. At the same time it is important to start these new health centres, as the existing healthcare centers and even the tertiary care hospitals lack basic infrastructure,” they said.

While there many officials in the health department who second the opinion and say that it is not necessary to open all the health centers at the same time, if state doesn’t have adequate funds. It should be done on a priority basis.

As reported by a local newspaper, “Based on the topography, population coverage and existing health centers, the State has shortage of some 1700 health centers,” reveals the official statistics of Health department, which is based on the Geo-Informatics System.