J&K Has 554 NTPHCs, Over 4200 Health Institutions: Minister Sakeena Itoo

Srinagar, March 8, 2025: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, informed the Legislative Assembly today that Jammu and Kashmir has a well-established healthcare infrastructure with over 4200 health institutions at the Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels, including 554 New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs) functioning across the Union Territory.

Responding to a question raised by MLA Showkat Hussain Ganie, the Minister highlighted that J&K ranks among the top achievers in health institution density as per a recent report by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Regarding the upgradation of Sub Centres at Kanjullar, Kaprin, Turkwangam, and Sharatpora to Primary Health Centres (PHCs), the Minister clarified that no new healthcare facilities or upgrades are planned at present. She attributed this to austerity measures imposed by the Finance Department under Government Order No. 17-F of 2024, dated January 15, 2024. However, she assured that the government might consider such proposals once these financial restrictions are lifted.

To bridge critical gaps in healthcare, Itoo stated that the department is focused on strengthening existing health facilities as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms. She also emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing e-Sanjeevani telemedicine services through a hub-and-spoke model to improve access to medical care across remote areas.

The Minister noted that the latest IPHS 2022 norms are currently being followed for any future creation and upgradation of health institutions, replacing the earlier IPHS 2012 standards.