CAG report flags gaps in J&K healthcare system
Shortcomings include shortages of doctors, inadequate infrastructure and lack of essential drugs in several institutions
A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has highlighted serious shortcomings in the healthcare system of Jammu and Kashmir, including shortages of doctors, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of essential drugs in several institutions.
The report, titled “Public Health Infrastructure and Management of Health Services” for the period ending March 2022, pointed to significant gaps in the Union Territory’s health sector. It noted persistent shortages across all cadres, stating that sanctioned posts were not aligned with the population’s needs, adversely affecting service delivery. The shortfall was particularly severe in key positions such as doctors, staff nurses, and paramedical personnel.
According to the report, manpower distribution across districts was uneven. Against a sanctioned strength of 46,115 posts, only 30,745 (67 per cent) were in place as of March 2022. On average, one government doctor served a population of 2,191 (2,461 for allopathic doctors). However, the ratio was still better than in states like Haryana (one allopathic doctor for 6,212 persons) and Punjab (one allopathic doctor for 6,390 persons).
Despite these concerns, the government has stated that it has formulated a comprehensive plan to strengthen the health sector. Notably, as per National Family Health Survey (2019-21) and Sample Registration System (SRS) Bulletin 2020, the health indicators in J&K in respect of Infant Mortality Rate (16.3 against national average of 35.2), Neonatal Mortality Rate (9.8 against national average of 24.9 per 1,000 live births), death rate (4.6 against national average of 6 per 1000 population) and girl children born (976 against national average of 929) for every 1,000 boys were better than the national average.
The report also flagged gaps in service availability. Outpatient Department (OPD) services in specialties such as ENT, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, and Skin & VD were missing in several district hospitals. Essential OPD services were not fully available in all 18 sampled Sub-District Hospitals and 10 Community Health Centres, as required under IPHS norms. Registration counters were also found inadequate in tertiary and district hospitals.
Ambulance services were another area of concern. Out of 1,263 ambulances under the Directorate of Health Services, 121 were off the road and 143 were beyond economic repair as of March 2022.
The audit further pointed to irregularities in drug warehouse management. Physical verification of stock was not conducted regularly, and issues such as poor storage management, inadequate record-keeping, delays in verification, and lack of proper labeling were observed.
Additionally, there was a significant shortfall in healthcare facilities. Against the requirement of 142 Community Health Centres (CHCs) and 4,078 Sub-Centres (SCs), only 30 CHCs and 2,505 SCs were available, reflecting shortages of 79 per cent and 39 per cent, respectively.
