The Jammu and Kashmir Government informed the Legislative Assembly today that the Union Territory currently has one doctor for every 1,880 patients, acknowledging the strain on healthcare services while outlining ongoing efforts to improve the doctor-patient ratio.

In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafiz Lone, the Minister In-charge of the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department stated that the department is continuously referring vacancies for Medical Officers and Assistant Professors to the J&K Public Service Commission in a bid to bridge the gap.

👨‍⚕️ Recruitments Underway to Strengthen Healthcare

The reply noted that 365 Medical Officers and 105 Assistant Professors have recently been appointed. In addition to regular recruitments, the Government is also availing services of healthcare professionals on a contractual basis under the National Health Mission (NHM).

As per the data shared:

• 96 Specialists,

• 418 Allopathic Medical Officers, and

• 874 AYUSH Medical Officers
  are currently serving across Jammu and Kashmir under NHM.

The Minister added that as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms, staffing requirements for Primary Health Centres (PHCs), New Type PHCs (NTPHCs), and Sub-Centres (SCs) are mostly met. However, there is no provision for specialists at PHC level under the current guidelines.

🏥 Healthcare Facilities in Wagoora-Kreeri Constituency

In response to a query regarding medical infrastructure in the Wagoora-Kreeri Constituency, the Government reported the existence of 17 health institutions, including:

• CHC Kreeri,

• PHCs at Kalantra and Shrakwara,

• NTPHCs at K. Muqam, Nowpora, and Dudbug, and

• SCs at Bulgam, Authoora, Chinned, Wagoora, Shaikhpora, Sherpora, Sultanpora, Walraman, Tangwari Bala, Waripora Bala, and Nilser.

These institutions provide free screening for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and various forms of cancer (oral, breast, cervical). Essential medicines and diagnostics are also provided at no cost — 175 drugs and 39 diagnostics at PHCs, and 96 drugs and 14 diagnostics at SCs.

🏗️ Infrastructure Development and Upgradation Plans

On the question of infrastructure expansion, the H&ME Department confirmed that administrative approval has been accorded for the construction of additional floors (G+2) at SDH/CHC Kreeri, and tendering is in progress by the R&B Department.

However, the Sub-Centre at Wagoora does not meet the IPHS criteria for upgradation to NTPHC. The Government cited the population figures — 3,000 in Wagoora and 7,000 in adjoining areas — and the proximity of nearby health facilities like SDH Kreeri (4.5 km), PHC Shrakwara (3.2 km), and PHC Kalantra (6 km) as sufficient for current needs.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today chaired a high-level security review meeting at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, where he directed security agencies to intensify anti-terror operations with the goal of completely eradicating terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. He also reaffirmed the Modi Government’s commitment to establish lasting peace and fast-track development in the Union Territory.

🔒 Anti-Terror Strategy Strengthened

Shah praised the efforts of security forces for the significant decline in infiltration and terror recruitment in recent years. He emphasized the full implementation of the Area Domination Plan and the Zero Terror Plan, directing agencies to work in seamless coordination to sustain the security gains achieved post the abrogation of Article 370.

“Due to sustained and coordinated efforts of the Modi Government, the entire terror ecosystem nurtured by elements inimical to our country in Jammu and Kashmir has been crippled,” said an official statement.

Present in the security review were LG Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Army Chief, GOC Northern Command, Deputy Chief of Army, GOCs of 15, 16, and 9 Corps, heads of intelligence and security agencies including IB, NIA, BSF, CRPF, SSB, ITBP, and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Shah reiterated the Modi Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, instructing all agencies to intensify vigilance and joint operations.

🛕 Preparations for Amarnath Yatra Reviewed

The Home Minister also reviewed security and logistical arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra, scheduled from July 3 to August 9, and instructed relevant agencies to ensure its peaceful and smooth conduct.

📈 Development Review: ‘J&K on Path of Prosperity’

In a separate meeting focused on development initiatives, Shah reviewed key infrastructure and welfare projects and stressed the need to accelerate growth across sectors. He said the Centre is committed to unlocking the full potential of Jammu and Kashmir through inclusive development.

“The Modi Government is working with an unwavering resolve to build a developed and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. The region is accelerating on the path of growth in every sector,” Shah stated.

Among the attendees were LG Manoj Sinha, former CM Omar Abdullah, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Chief Secretary Atal Duloo, and various departmental secretaries.

🏗️ Sector-Wise Achievements Highlighted

The meeting featured presentations on achievements in power, connectivity, tourism, agriculture, industry, and youth empowerment. Officials also shared details of financial assistance allocated to the Union Territory in the current fiscal year and highlighted progress under multiple centrally sponsored schemes. Senior officials from departments of Health, PWD, Education, Planning, Rural Development, IT, Finance, and Sports were also present, underlining the government’s all-inclusive developmental push.

Tensions flared in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday as members of the ruling coalition—including the National Conference (NC), Congress, CPI(M) and Independent MLAs—staged a protest outside the House over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, following a noisy adjournment of the session.

🔴 The MLAs held a dharna at the Assembly’s entry gate, voicing strong opposition to the BJP-led Central Government and the Speaker’s refusal to allow a discussion on the controversial amendment.

🗨️ “The BJP resorted to manhandling and raised religious slogans in the House. We reminded them this is a legislature, not a wrestling ring,” NC MLA Altaf Kaloo told reporters.
He said their adjournment motion demanding a discussion on the Act was dismissed without due consideration.

Kaloo questioned the Speaker’s stance, drawing comparisons with Tamil Nadu.
🗨️ “Even in Tamil Nadu, a resolution was passed on Waqf issues where Muslims make up only 6%. Why can’t there be an open discussion here, in a Muslim-majority region?” he asked.

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⚠️ Escalation and Scuffle in the House

Earlier inside the Assembly, Congress MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone held a banner reading “Waqf Amendment Bill is not acceptable to us”, and accused the BJP of being “anti-Mahatma Gandhi” and “supporters of Nathuram Godse”.

These remarks triggered an angry reaction from BJP legislators, who rushed towards the Well of the House, resulting in pushing and shoving between Lone, Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmed, and BJP members.
⚠️ The situation was brought under control by watch and ward staff, who intervened to prevent a physical clash.

🗨️ “Had the security not intervened, they would have killed me,” Lone later alleged, calling it “an attack on me”.

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🗣️ Opposition Calls for Unity Against BJP

CPI(M) legislator M Y Tarigami urged political and civil society groups across the UT to unite against what he called the BJP’s divisive agenda.

🗨️ “We appeal to the people of Jammu as well. BJP may attempt to communalize the issue, but we must stand together,” Tarigami said during the protest.

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🔁 BJP Hits Back, Accuses NC of Inciting Sentiments

Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma condemned the protest, accusing the NC of trying to “stoke religious sentiments” for political gains.

🗨️ “This disruption was unconstitutional. The Speaker acted fairly, but the NC is politicizing a settled issue just to incite unrest in the Valley,” Sharma said.
He further alleged hypocrisy, saying NC MPs were “silent in Parliament” when the Bill was passed but were now “staging drama in the Assembly.”

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✅ Context: The Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed by the Parliament, has sparked concerns in Jammu and Kashmir over autonomy and management of Waqf properties—particularly in a region where such institutions have deep religious and cultural relevance.