Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 29: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said that authorities are currently examining the possibility of introducing a robotic surgery facility at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar.
Responding to a question raised by MLA Arwind Gupta, the Health and Medical Education Minister, Sakeena Itoo stated in a written reply said that the advancement of the health sector involves the introduction of new equipment, machinery, and other items only after thorough evaluation of their impact, financial viability, space requirements, and other relevant aspects.
“The Government Medical College, Srinagar, is presently reviewing and examining the introduction of a robotic surgery facility at the Government Super Speciality Hospital, Shireen Bagh,” the minister said.
She said the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu has initiated formal procedures to procure robotic surgery equipment through JKMSCL (Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited), for which a requirement of approximately Rs 35.00 crores has been identified.
Regarding diagnostic facilities, the minister informed that the CT scan machine, which has been in use at the Super Speciality Hospital Jammu since its inception, has outlived its operational life and is currently non-functional.
“A new CT scan machine is being procured and installed through JKMSCL. Reportedly, a purchase order on a turnkey basis has already been placed by JKMSCL, and the supply is awaited. Similarly, the existing CT scan machine at SMGS Hospital has also outlived its useful lifespan, and a new machine is being procured and installed through JKMSCL,” she said.
Itoo said that at the CD Hospital, the installed CT scan machine has become obsolete and outdated. The medical staff has submitted a requisition for the procurement and installation of a new CT scan machine, which is also being processed through JKMSCL, she added.
On the administrative front, the Health Minister said the proposal for the implementation of a 3-Tier Faculty Structure (Phase-II) in GMC/Super Speciality Hospital Srinagar and Jammu has been taken up with the Finance Department to seek their approval. However, the Finance Department has raised several observations, and responses to these have been sought from the Principals of GMC Srinagar and Jammu, she informed, adding that the matter is currently under examination.
Itoo said the available medical and paramedical staff are being distributed and rationalised fairly across various rural and remote health institutions, in accordance with sanctioned strength.
To strengthen overall health services, including those in peripheral and rural areas, the government has mobilised medical and paramedical staff as per IPHC (Integrated Primary Healthcare) norms to ensure better healthcare delivery in these regions, the minister added.
