17-Year Recruitment Freeze: Over 7,000 dental surgeons without jobs in J&K

SRINAGAR — More than 7,000 trained dental surgeons in Jammu and Kashmir continue to remain unemployed as no regular recruitment has been carried out in the government sector for the past 17 years, raising serious concerns over career stagnation and underutilisation of skilled medical professionals.

According to details highlighted by dental professionals, despite the growing population and increasing oral health needs across the region, recruitment of dental surgeons has remained virtually frozen, leaving thousands of qualified graduates without government employment opportunities. Aspirants said the prolonged delay has pushed many young professionals into uncertainty, forcing some to migrate outside the region or abandon the profession altogether.

The issue has also been mentioned in political discourse. The National Conference, in its manifesto for the 2024 elections, had promised time-bound recruitment of dental surgeons, acknowledging that the matter has remained pending for over a decade. The commitment raised hopes among unemployed dental graduates, who say tangible action is now urgently required.

Dental surgeons said the absence of regular recruitment has adversely impacted public healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and peripheral areas where dental services remain limited or non-existent. They said timely appointments would not only address unemployment but also strengthen the oral healthcare infrastructure in government hospitals and primary health centres.

The unemployed professionals have urged the government to initiate immediate recruitment drives, frame a clear policy for absorption of dental surgeons and fulfil assurances made regarding time-bound appointments. They said continued delay would further aggravate unemployment and deprive the public of essential dental healthcare services.

The dental community has appealed to the government to intervene without further delay and ensure that qualified professionals are given an opportunity to serve within the public health system.