Govt making rural service compulsory for doctors

Jammu, Jan 23 (UNI) The state government today announced in the Legislative Assembly its decision to make rural service compulsory for every doctor of the state so as to improve the health-care facilites in remote areas.

While replying discussion on grants for his ministry, Health and Medical Education Minister Mangat Ram Sharma informed the lower house that an ''encouraging improvement'' has been achieved in health sector during last couple of years, adding, more attention has to be focused on upgradation and extension of medicare facility in uncovered rural areas.

The Minister said funds realised after the implementation of Roshni Scheme would also be utilised to augment the healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.

Referring to the upgradation of Jammu and Srinagar Medical Colleges, the Minister said Jammu and Kashmir is the only state, which has been granted to upgrade its two medical institutions to the level of AIIMS.

Mr Sharma said land for establishing super specialist disciplines for the medical colleges has already been acquired in Jammu and Srinagar and hoped that the construction work of the complexes would commence from next April.

He, further, said various steps have already been initiated and health sector has been declared as a priority sector, providing it added attention for its all round development including manning of medical centres, provision of adequate facilities and upgradation and construction of necessary infrastructure.

Various centrally sponsored schemes like National Rural Health Mission funds were being mobilised to cater to the increased needs of this sector, the minister informed.

The Health Minister also encouraged public-private partnership in health sector and said six new hospitals with all modern facilities are being constructed in the state -- three each in Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

UNI