Jammu, Sep 21 - Concerned over the shortage of doctors and para-medical staff in Jammu and Kashmir's medical colleges and hospitals, state Minister for Medical Education Rajinder Singh Chib said the assisting staff will soon be hired on contract basis.

'To be honest, I am totally unsatisfied with the existing system in medical colleges and their associated hospitals both in Jammu and Srinagar,' Chib, a former Indian Air Force officer, said in an interview to IANS by phone from Srinagar.

The minister said he was personally looking into fast track contractual appointments of para-medics and other staff.

'It is being done. All shortages in this field will be filled soon.'

The minister said lack of proper work culture in the medical colleges and the shortage of doctors, staff and para-medics were compounding the problems faced by these institutes.

On the government medical colleges and hospitals (GMCH), Chibb said: 'Though all the wings and departments need a big change and a more humane approach, I am planning to start by streamlining emergency and casualty sections.'

'Every problem starts at the emergency and casualty sections which is not being dealt in the manner as it should be,' admitted the minister.

Chib noted with concern that there are just 90 nurses in GMCH, Jammu.