Jammu and Kashmir Health Department issues new guidelines; assembly panel reviews performance

The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department issued Circular No. 05‑JK(HME) 2026 on July 21, 2026, directing all government medical and dental colleges and related institutions to fast‑track study‑leave and other time‑bound service matters. The directive mandates a dedicated register or database, appointment of a nodal officer, monthly reviews of pending cases, advance submission of higher‑authority approvals, and reporting of unauthorised absences. Non‑compliance may attract action under relevant rules.

Separately, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Estimates examined the department’s overall functioning. Chaired by Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, the panel sought detailed district‑wise data on sanctioned, filled and vacant doctor posts over the past five years, urged immediate posting of doctors to rural areas, and called for stronger security measures such as CCTV installation and biometric attendance systems in public health institutions. Commissioner‑Secretary M. Raju and senior health officials attended the meeting.