Srinagar, Sept. 28 -- The shortage of medical and paramedical staff in Jammu and Kashmir points to a challenge that cannot be addressed through recruitment alone. During the ongoing session of the Legislative Assembly, the Government has reported 40 vacancies among senior specialists, 393 among consultants, 840 among Medical Officers and 6,248 in paramedical and other categories. These numbers are significant. They also show why strengthening healthcare manpower must remain a priority. The figures reveal gaps at different levels of the health system. Only 11 senior specialists are in place against 51 sanctioned posts. There are 543 consultants against 936 posts. The situation is similar among Medical Officers, with 2,019 working against a...