Baramulla, Oct 20: Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo on Monday said the government is actively working on an incentive-based policy to encourage doctors to serve in rural and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The move, she said, aims to strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved regions and ensure equitable access to medical services.
Speaking to reporters during her visit to Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Sakina Itoo said that the government recognizes the challenges faced by medical professionals working in remote areas and is determined to address them through structured incentives and better facilities.
“Doctors are an integral part of our health system, and they must also serve in rural and difficult terrains. Unfortunately, incentives are often directed toward those working in urban centres, while doctors in remote areas deserve them more. The government is reviewing this imbalance,” she said.
The minister revealed that a new framework is being formulated to provide financial and professional benefits to doctors who opt for postings in far-off locations. “Just as city doctors receive incentives, those serving in villages should get even more. Our priority is to ensure that no rural health centre suffers due to lack of doctors or resources,” she added.
Highlighting the government’s focus on infrastructure development, Sakina Itoo said that several rural hospitals have already been upgraded with modern medical equipment. “People have been demanding advanced facilities, and we have acted upon those requests. Many hospitals have received new machines, and we are committed to equipping every health centre, especially in distant areas,” she said.
Responding to concerns about the alleged shortage of senior doctors at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, the minister refuted the claims, asserting that all senior doctors are present and performing their duties. “We have issued clear instructions to ensure regular attendance and accountability of all medical staff,” she clarified.
Addressing complaints about the QR code-based patient registration system, which has reportedly caused inconvenience to patients without smartphones, Sakina Itoo said that an alternative offline system has been directed to be made available. “No patient should face hardship due to technological barriers. Those without smartphones will be registered manually,” she said.
The minister concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring quality healthcare for all, particularly in rural and border regions like Uri. “Our mission is to bridge the urban-rural healthcare gap and ensure that every citizen receives reliable medical attention, regardless of location,” she emphasized. [KNT]
