SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a meeting to review the quality and standards of nursing education across the Union Territory, underscoring that nursing is the backbone of healthcare delivery.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary of Health & Medical Education, Principals of GMC Jammu and Srinagar, the Chairperson of J&K Allied & Healthcare Council (A&HCC), the Registrar of J&K Nursing Council, Principals of Nursing Colleges, and other senior officials.
During the review, the Chief Secretary assessed the functioning of newly established Nursing Colleges across districts, including their courses and student enrolment. He directed that diploma-level programs be progressively upgraded to degree and postgraduate courses to enhance professional capacities in the nursing sector.
He further called for the early completion and operationalization of Nursing Colleges at Sopore, Kulgam, Shopian, and Budgam, while exploring the feasibility of establishing additional colleges in remaining districts. The Chief Secretary also stressed phasing out outdated courses and introducing new programs aligned with emerging healthcare needs.
Highlighting the importance of quality teaching, he emphasized that only well-qualified faculty should be engaged. He urged the framing of Recruitment Rules for Nursing Colleges, filling of vacancies through recruitment agencies, and creation of posts where necessary to maintain high standards of teaching and training.
On the functioning of the recently established J&K State Allied & Healthcare Council (SA&HC), the Chief Secretary directed strengthening of the council with adequate manpower and robust monitoring mechanisms, in line with National Commission for Allied & Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) guidelines and institutional readiness checklists.
Presenting an overview, Secretary H&ME Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah noted significant progress in nursing education. Over the past year, 360 new B.Sc Nursing seats, 80 Post Basic B.Sc Nursing seats, and 25 M.Sc Nursing seats have been added across the UT. From the next academic session, Nursing College Jammu will also offer 60 additional Post Basic B.Sc Nursing seats.
Currently, J&K has around 50 Nursing Colleges with a total intake of 3,040 seats. Additionally, eight institutions offer 233 M.Sc Nursing seats, 14 institutions provide 805 Post Basic B.Sc Nursing seats, and numerous institutes collectively cater to over 5,600 GNM, 5,200 FMPHW, and 2,300 MMPHW students across the UT.
Registrar of J&K Nursing Council Dr. Sandeep Singh reported successful examinations for 14,738 paramedical candidates and recognition of 28 new Pharmacy institutions offering 1,800 Diploma in Pharmacy seats, now mandatory for obtaining drug licenses.
Chairperson of J&K A&HCC Dr. Sabhiya Majid outlined the mandate of the NCAHP Act, 2021, emphasizing the role of State and National Councils in regulating allied and healthcare education, assessing institutions, maintaining professional registers, and fostering research and scientific advancements. Currently, 10 recognized categories covering 57 professions fall under its purview, with further expansion planned to enhance the quality, recognition, and dignity of allied healthcare professionals nationwide.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Chief Secretary stressed that strengthening nursing education and allied healthcare systems is crucial for improving patient care, meeting growing healthcare demands, and building a skilled workforce for the people of J&K.
