By | Mir Iqbal
The Spotlight Desk
Jammu and Kashmir, March 17 — A serious concern echoed through the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as an opposition lawmaker raised a critical question about the future of the region’s healthcare system. The member pointed out that doctors who complete their medical education on government expenses often choose lucrative jobs abroad instead of serving in local government hospitals — a trend that is increasingly impacting the state’s public healthcare system.
Raising the issue during the ongoing Assembly session, the opposition member questioned what concrete steps the government is taking to ensure that public resources invested in medical education actually benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to this pressing issue, Health Minister Ms. Sakina Itoo admitted that this is indeed a “serious problem” and assured that the government is actively working on a solution. “It is unfortunate if a doctor, who has been educated with public money, leaves the country for better opportunities. But let me be honest — when such doctors seek No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to work abroad, it is often some of our own respected Assembly members who recommend them,” she said, candidly appealing to lawmakers to cooperate with the government on this matter.
Ms. Itoo further revealed that the government is seriously considering introducing a “Bond System”, under which medical graduates, especially those pursuing post-graduation, will be required to serve in government hospitals for a minimum of two to three years before they are allowed to take jobs abroad.
Highlighting that similar laws already exist in other states, the minister affirmed that Jammu and Kashmir will soon adopt comparable regulations to safeguard its public health system. She also reassured the Assembly that any amendments or relaxations in laws would be carefully considered, but only if they align with public interest and healthcare needs.
As the health sector faces mounting pressure, this crucial discussion sets the stage for policy changes aimed at ensuring that the public investment in medical education truly serves the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
