J&K Government Constitutes High-Level Core Committee to Fast-Track Health Sector Reforms

Srinagar, July 9: In a significant move aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring effective implementation of key reforms, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a Core Implementation Committee for Health Reforms in the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department.

The committee has been established through Government Order No. 538-JK(HME) of 2026 dated July 9, 2026, with the objective of overseeing the implementation, coordination, monitoring and periodic review of various health sector reform initiatives being undertaken across the Union Territory.

According to the government order, Akriti Sagar, IAS, Mission Director, Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission (NHM), has been appointed as the Chairperson of the high-level committee.

The committee comprises eminent healthcare professionals and senior officials, including Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Executive Director, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Kakryal, Katra; Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, President, J&K Medical Council and Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Srinagar, who will serve as the Member Secretary; Dr. Abdul Rasheed Parra, Medical Superintendent, Children’s Hospital Bemina; Dr. Jitendra Mehta, Programme Manager, J&K National Health Mission; and Dr. Mushtaq Dar, Divisional Nodal Officer, J&K National Health Mission.

The order states that the committee will function as the nodal body for facilitating effective coordination among various stakeholders, ensuring timely implementation of health reforms, monitoring progress and carrying out periodic evaluations of initiatives launched by the Health and Medical Education Department.

To strengthen its functioning, the committee has also been authorised to co-opt officers, technical experts, domain specialists and representatives from government departments, institutions and organisations associated with the Health and Medical Education Department whenever their expertise is required for effective execution of its mandate.

The committee has been directed to meet once every fortnight and submit its recommendations, findings and progress reports to the Administrative Department for consideration and appropriate action.

The order has been issued by M. Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department. Copies of the order have been forwarded to the offices of the Chief Minister, Lieutenant Governor, Ministry of Home Affairs, General Administration Department, Director SKIMS, Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums, and other concerned authorities for information and necessary action. (KNC)