Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government is evaluating the creation of dental surgeon posts to tackle a 16-year-long vacancy issue that has severely impacted oral healthcare in the region. A senior official from the J&K Health Department confirmed that discussions are ongoing to resolve the shortage, which has left public hospitals struggling to provide adequate dental care.
16 Years Without Recruitment
- Since 2008, no dental surgeon posts have been created by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Services Commission (PSC), leading to a significant shortage in government hospitals.
- Over 10,000 dental graduates (BDS and MDS) in J&K remain unemployed, according to Dr. Rahul Koul, President of the Dental Surgeons Association J&K.
Rural Areas and Public Hospitals Hit Hard
- Many rural healthcare facilities, including Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Primary Health Centers (PHCs), lack even a single dental surgeon.
- Healthcare norms require at least two dentists per SDH and one dental surgeon per PHC with an assistant, but this standard is far from being met.
- Public hospitals bear 90% of the patient load due to the high costs of private dental care, forcing economically disadvantaged patients to seek unsafe treatment from unqualified practitioners.
Impact on Aspirants and Healthcare
- 200-300 dental students graduate annually from Government Dental Colleges in Srinagar and Jammu, yet many face bleak employment prospects.
- The lack of job opportunities is discouraging students from pursuing dentistry, further compounding the problem.
Calls for Action
- Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) and the Dental Surgeons Association J&K have urged the government to prioritize this issue.
- Dr. Mohd Yusuf Tak, President of DAK, highlighted the public health risks, including the spread of diseases like Hepatitis C, due to reliance on unqualified practitioners.
- Both associations have appealed to the government to adopt a humanitarian approach, emphasizing that this is not just about employment but also about improving oral healthcare access.
Government’s Response
- A senior official from the Health and Medical Education Department assured that the matter is being actively reviewed. “The need for creating posts is evident, and necessary steps will be taken soon,” the official stated.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Dental Education Section had communicated with the J&K government in August 2023, urging immediate action on dental surgeon unemployment.
Looking Ahead
Efforts to address the shortage are expected to result in the creation of dental surgeon posts and an overhaul of oral healthcare services in the region. However, tangible action and timely implementation remain crucial to resolving this long-standing crisis.
