Minister of State for Health Shabir Ahmad Khan in reply to a question by Mr. Ali Mohammad Dar informed the House that PHC Chatergam was upgraded as sub district hospital in the year 2001, adding that at that time the PHC had staff strength of 32 posts along with X-Ray, ECG, Ambulance, Dental Unit facilities.The Minister added that 27 additional posts were created for SDH Chatergam, out of which the creation of 09 posts of doctors and specialists was kept in abeyance. He said that the department is re-examining the proposal for restoration of these posts.
Regarding building infrastructure for SDH Chatergam, the Minister informed that a provision of Rs 50 lakh has been approved under State Plan during the current financial year. He said that the work on the project would be started as and when the land is identified.The Minister said at present, the sanctioned strength of SDH Chatergam is 50 posts with facilities of X-Ray, ECG, Ambulance, Dental Unit.In reply to another question by Mr. Subash Chander Gupta, the Minister informed that there is shortage of doctors and para-medics in the health institutions of district Kathua like other districts. He said despite shortage of medicos and para-medicos, District Hospital and all the Sub-District Hospitals of the district are rendering health-care services to the needy by utilizing the services of doctors and paramedical staff engaged under NRHM.
Giving details of vacant posts in health sector in Kathua District, the Minister informed that there are 25 posts of doctors and 37 posts of para-medics lying vacant in the district and have been already referred to the recruiting agencies.
In reply to another question by Mr. Abdul Majid Bhat, the Minister informed that the work on Sub-District Hospital Yaripora has been taken up for execution during the year 2003-04 through R&B at a cost of Rs 7.28 crore, against which Rs 5.92 crore has been released up to March, 2013.The Minister informed that Rs 90 lakh have been proposed under State Plan and NRHM for the completion of hospital building during the current financial year. The work on the hospital building is expected to be completed by December, 2013, the Minister informed, adding that the installation of central heating system in the building is under progress.