Jammu and Kashmir health staffing oversight

In late July 2026 the Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department issued Circular No. 05‑JK(HME) 2026, directing all government medical and dental colleges to fast‑track study‑leave and other time‑bound service matters. The circular called for a dedicated register, a nodal officer, monthly case reviews and stricter reporting of unauthorised absences, with penalties for non‑compliance. Around the same time, the state Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Estimates examined the department’s performance, requesting district‑wise data on doctor posts, urging immediate postings to rural areas and recommending enhanced security measures such as CCTV and biometric attendance.

By early August 2026 the department moved to enforce its attendance rules more stringently, terminating Dr. Hooda Rashid, a medical officer at Government Medical College Srinagar, for remaining absent without authorization since May 2025 despite a show‑cause notice. The dismissal was justified on the grounds that her prolonged absence harmed patient‑care services at Government Lalla Ded Hospital, illustrating the department’s shift from policy formulation to concrete disciplinary action against staff who violate the new attendance directives.