• Sakeena Itoo hails PG seat expansion, terms it major milestone in transforming J&K into medical education hub
  • Says this achievement reflects government’s push to elevate J&K’s medical education standards, specialised healthcare services

JAMMU: In a landmark development and significant boost to specialised medical education in Jammu and Kashmir, National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 24 new super-specialty postgraduate (PG) seats in Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) of Jammu and Srinagar, and SKIMS Soura. The seats have been approved in streams like Cardiology, Urology, Pulmonary Medicine, Medical Gastroenterology, Paediatric Surgery, Neuro-Anaesthesia, Paediatric and Neonatal Anaesthesia and Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology.

Welcoming the development, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo described this development as a major milestone, adding that this transformational step underscores the Government’s firm commitment to expanding specialised healthcare infrastructure and medical education opportunities within Jammu and Kashmir.

“This achievement reflects Omar Abdullah led Government’s sustained efforts to improve healthcare standards and ensure advanced and specialised medical services are available within Jammu and Kashmir. The addition of super-specialty PG seats will not only empower our young doctors with opportunities for advanced training locally but will also significantly benefit patients by improving access to specialised care,” the Health Minister said.

She further emphasized that the expansion of super-specialty seats aligns with the broader vision of strengthening the healthcare ecosystem, reducing patient referrals outside J&K, and ensuring timely, high-quality treatment closer to home. The Minister acknowledged the continuous efforts of the faculty, medical college administrations and Department, adding that their dedication and compliance with NMC standards made this approval possible.

She reiterated that the Government will continue to prioritise investments in medical education, infrastructure, and human resource development to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have access to world-class healthcare facilities. “This development marks another milestone in the Government’s ongoing healthcare reforms and reinforces our commitment to transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a centre of excellence in medical education and specialised healthcare”, Minister Sakeena said.

Pertinently, the NMC has approved four seats in DM Cardiology and four seats in MCh Urology for GMC, Jammu, two seats each in DM Pulmonary Medicine, DM Cardiology, DM Medical Gastroenterology, M.Ch Urology and M.Ch Paediatric Surgery for GMC Srinagar, besides two seats each in DM Neuro-Anaesthesia, DM Paediatric and Neonatal Anaesthesia and DM Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology for Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Srinagar.

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In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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