Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Aug 20: Dental surgeons today staged protests in Srinagar and Jammu against what they termed the “collapse of dental healthcare” in Jammu and Kashmir, citing lack of manpower and absence of job opportunities.
The doctors demanded a recruitment policy, alleging that the Government has failed to employ qualified professionals. They said hundreds of dental graduates remain jobless, with many forced to move abroad or look for alternative livelihoods.
“Dental healthcare is in bad shape because there is no manpower. Patients are compelled to travel to Srinagar, and even there treatment facilities are inadequate,” said a protesting doctor.
The protesters noted that the last recruitment of dental surgeons in J&K was conducted nearly 17 years ago. Since then, they alleged, governments have only made promises without action. “Despite learning advanced dental technologies, young doctors cannot put their skills to use. If new graduates are left unemployed every year, the system cannot improve,” another protester remarked.
The agitating doctors also criticized successive governments for failing to fulfill commitments. “The National Conference had assured in its manifesto that unemployed dental surgeons would be provided jobs, but nothing has happened. Governments change, but there are only words,” a protester said.
In Jammu, a parallel demonstration was held near the Press Club. Dental surgeons there called upon the Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to advertise vacant posts. “For 18 years, not a single post has been notified. We are crossing the upper age limit despite being doctors,” said Dr Deepak Matoo.
The protesters in Jammu said the issue was not only about unemployment but also about the deteriorating state of public healthcare. They argued that absence of recruitment has left rural areas without dental services, compelling patients to spend heavily in private clinics.
Calling the situation “a shame,” Dr Priya added that doctors were left in despair, while Dr Aman Sharma remarked, “All states are advertising posts except J&K. If jobs cannot be given, dental courses should be stopped.”
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