18/12/2025
This is the current situation of a PHC hospital, as reflected in the attached night duty roster. Only a few sanctioned pharmacists are available, and instead of addressing the shortage, non-pharmacist staff such as MMPHWs, MTS, data entry operators, and other cadres are being assigned duties meant strictly for pharmacists.
This is not limited to one PHC. The same situation exists across almost all PHCs, Community Health Centres, and District Hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir. Pharmacist posts are lying vacant, yet the system continues to function through temporary adjustments and incorrect designations.
This clearly exposes two serious issues. First, there is an acute shortage and genuine need for pharmacists in Jammu and Kashmir. Second, there is a complete lack of proper administrative planning and monitoring by the Health and Medical Education Department.
Despite this ground reality, the Departmental Promotion Committee and recruitment processes for the pharmacist cadre remain incomplete and delayed. Years have passed, but no concrete steps have been taken to strengthen this essential cadre. The pace at which decisions are being taken reflects extreme administrative delay and inaction.
Pharmacists are a core part of patient care, drug safety, and hospital functioning. Replacing them with other cadres is not only unfair but also unsafe for public health.
This post is not to target individuals, but to highlight a systemic failure. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir must acknowledge the crisis, complete the pending DPC and recruitments, and ensure that pharmacist posts are filled by qualified and legally designated pharmacists only.
