Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 9: The government’s decision to wind up the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation Ltd (JKPCC) has caused significant delays in the construction of the Government Medical College (GMC) in Baramulla.
A top health official said that no construction work has occurred at GMC Baramulla for the past four to five months, leading to space issues and inconveniences for both authorities and patients.
He said the construction of GMC Baramulla has missed several deadlines, even seven years after its foundation stone was laid in 2017. The lack of available space is hindering the expansion of the hospital, which serves the entire north Kashmir region, he said.
The official said that due to the halt in construction for the past five months, authorities are focused on resuming work as soon as possible.
The cramped conditions in the existing buildings are causing difficulties for patients and attendants, leading some to prefer seeking treatment in Srinagar, he said.
Principal GMC Baramulla, Dr (Prof) Ruby Reshi said that the construction has been at a standstill due to the wind-up of JKPCC. She said over 50 percent of the work remains unfinished, further delaying completion.
GMC Baramulla, established in 2018, offers MBBS, nursing, and paramedical courses. The associated hospital is the largest in north Kashmir and serves a significant portion of the population, with the OPD receiving nearly 4,000 patients daily.
