Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 28: All trauma hospitals in Jammu division have been fully equipped to handle emergencies as they arise, the government announced on Tuesday.
In response to a question by MLA Arvind Gupta, Health and Medical Education Department Minister Sakeena Itoo, said there are four trauma hospitals in Jammu province: Trauma Centre Mahanpur (District Kathua), Trauma Centre Ramban (District Ramban), Trauma Centre Thatri (District Doda), and the newly sanctioned Trauma Centre at Jajjar Kotli (District Jammu), sanctioned via Government Order No. 690-JK(HME) of 2024 dated 11.10.2024.
“These institutions are equipped to handle emergencies as and when they occur,” she added.
The facilities available at these trauma centres include a Minor Operation Theatre (OT), General Surgery, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) care, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Physiotherapy, X-Ray and Ultrasound diagnostic services, Clinical Laboratory services, basic lifesaving equipment such as oxygen cylinders and masks, pharmacy and drug dispensing units, and 24×7 ambulance services (102/108).
To strengthen treatment facilities, especially in Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) and associated hospitals, the minister said the government has taken several steps, including the operationalisation of a new casualty block with 262 beds; fully functional 40 ICU beds and emergency ICUs equipped with high-end ventilators, monitors, oxygen supply, suction, and adequate medicines and consumables; deployment of specialised doctors trained in ICU care from the department of Anesthesia, available 24×7 in emergency; presence of ENT and Dental Surgery specialists around the clock to address facial trauma; a team of helpers, social workers, and volunteers always available in emergencies; adequate number of trolleys, wheelchairs, and spine boards ready in GMC and associated hospital emergency departments, and all high-end diagnostic facilities such as lab tests, digital X-rays, USG, ECG, CT Scan, etc., operational 24×7.
Additionally, a dedicated 12-bedded trauma ward with ICU facilities has been established and is functional in the Associated Hospital, GMC Udhampur. Trauma patients are being treated by doctors from the Surgery, Anaesthesia, and Orthopaedics departments, as per their needs.
The government has also taken initiatives to further strengthen trauma care at GMC Kathua and associated hospitals, including the establishment of trauma units, augmentation of manpower, procurement of advanced life-saving equipment, and upgradation of emergency care infrastructure, Itoo said.
Facilities like emergency wards, operation theatres, ICUs, blood banks, ventilators, oxygen supply systems, and ambulance services are available at these hospitals, she said, adding that capacity-building and training programs for emergency and trauma personnel are regularly conducted.
Regarding faculty at GMCs, Minister Itoo clarified that there is no current proposal to increase the retirement age of faculty members to match neighbouring states like Punjab and Delhi, where most GMCs operate with 50% faculty.
While there is a slight staff shortage in government medical colleges, patient referrals outside Jammu & Kashmir are only made in exceptional cases where adequate diagnostic or treatment facilities are unavailable locally, she added.
The minister further said that a policy framework regulating private practice among government doctors is in place. As per Rule 4 of the J&K Government Doctors (Relaxation of Restrictions on Private Practice) Rules, 1998, government doctors are permitted to undertake private practice only beyond official duty hours and if they do not receive Non-Practising Allowance (NPA).
Engaging in private practice during duty hours is a violation of service conduct rules and can lead to disciplinary action, including departmental inquiry and potential suspension of medical registration, where applicable, she said, adding that the department continues to monitor compliance with these regulations through institutional oversight and administrative vigilance.
