Shortage of Critical Care Nurses Continues to Affect District Hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir, Data Shows

Baramulla, September 30, 2026* – District hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir continue to face a shortage of trained critical care nurses, according to official data and health reports.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's Rural Health Statistics 2022-23, Jammu and Kashmir has a shortfall of specialist staff at Community Health Centres (CHCs). The Indian Nursing Council (INC) data indicates that while India has over 35 lakh registered nurses, the nurse-to-patient ratio remains below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended norm of 3 nurses per 1000 population.

Officials at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla said the demand for ICU-trained staff has increased in the last two years following expansion of critical care beds.

"The need for critical care nursing has grown after COVID-19. District hospitals now handle more ventilator and ICU cases than before. Training and recruitment of specialized nurses is essential," a senior medical officer at GMC Baramulla said on condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to media.

The National Health Mission (NHM), Jammu and Kashmir, in its annual report, has listed strengthening of critical care as a priority area, including skill-based training for nursing staff.

Healthcare experts say the gap affects patient care in intensive care units, where trained nurses monitor ventilators, administer emergency drugs, and maintain infection control protocols.

The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department had earlier invited applications for nursing staff for new critical care blocks under the Emergency COVID Response Package (ECRP).

Patients visiting district hospitals often report long waiting times in emergency wards. Data from the department is awaited on the current vacancy position.

*Sources:* Rural Health Statistics 2022-23 (MoHFW), Indian Nursing Council, NHM J&K Annual Report, WHO Health Workforce Guidelines