The Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has raised serious concerns about the alarming unemployment of dental surgeons in Jammu and Kashmir and the lack of adequate oral and dental care facilities in the region's healthcare infrastructure.
The association has called for immediate intervention to address the crisis, including the creation of new posts and utilizing over-aged unemployed dental surgeons in government programs.
DAK President, Dr. Mohd Yusuf Tak, lamented the government's failure to upgrade oral healthcare services despite the rising need for professional care. "The poor and marginalized sections of society are often left with no choice but to seek treatment from unqualified practitioners, resulting in complications and the spread of diseases like Hepatitis C," he stated.
Dr. Masood Rashid, President Society of Consultant Doctors and Sr Executive Member DAak highlighted the lack of recruitment by the Public Service Commission (PSC), which has not advertised posts for dental surgeons in over 14 years. This has led to the unemployment of over 4,000 dental surgeons, many of whom are now over-aged and struggling for survival.
Dr. Owais H. Dar, General Secretary of DAK, commended the Government for various health initiatives but expressed concern over the government's neglect of oral healthcare, which has resulted in a surge in Hepatitis B and C cases. He urged authorities to announce a comprehensive employment package for dental surgeons. "The government must also explore mechanisms to utilize the expertise of these qualified professionals in other medical fields," he added, noting the urgent need for constructive action to fulfill promises made by previous administrations.
Dr. Basharat H. Shah, Senior Dental Surgeon and Joint Secretary of DAK, outlined a detailed plan to address the dual crises of unemployment and inadequate oral healthcare facilities:
Creation of new posts for dental surgeons at the PHC and New Type PHC levels.
Posting of at least three dental surgeons in each Sub-District Hospital.
Allocation of a minimum of seven dental surgeons to every District Hospital.
Engagement of over-aged unemployed dental surgeons in initiatives such as the National Health Mission, National Oral Health Programme, RBSK, Ayushman Bharat, and the School Health Programme.
A delegation of unemployed dental surgeons met Dr Bilal Beig, Joint secretary DAK and also offered to work in remote areas, including NTPHCs that currently lack sanctioned posts. They proposed contributing dental chairs at their own expense and working without auxiliary staff to minimize costs for the government.
Dr. Adil Wani, Senior Dental Surgeon and Joint Secretary of DAK, emphasized that these measures are crucial for strengthening oral healthcare, alleviating the unemployment crisis, and curbing the brain drain of skilled professionals.
DAK spokesperson, Dr. Rubeena Bhat, appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Jinab Omar Abdullah, Hon’ble Health Minister Ms. Sakina Itoo, and Worthy Administrative Secretary HME Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed (IAS) to adopt a holistic and humanitarian approach to resolve these issues. "This is not just about employment but about ensuring better oral healthcare for the people of Jammu and Kashmir," she stated, urging the government to prioritize these pressing concerns for the greater public good.
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