Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 3: Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla’s associated hospital — the largest tertiary care facility in north Kashmir — continues to operate without two critical diagnostic and emergency care services: an MRI unit and a cardiac catheterisation laboratory (Cath Lab). Alongside this, nearly 200 key posts remain vacant, severely affecting day-to-day functioning, sources said.
Officials said that the absence of these services not only delays treatment but forces hundreds of patients daily to travel to Srinagar, losing crucial time during emergencies.
“Due to the staff shortage, the institution is struggling to manage routine functioning. Departments are overstretched and patients are bearing the brunt,” they said.
Doctors said that although a cardiology unit is functional at GMC Baramulla, patients experiencing chest pain or heart attacks have to be shifted to Srinagar — to SMHS or SKIMS — for angiography and angioplasty.
“The first hour after a heart attack is known as the golden hour. A delay of even 30–40 minutes can decide life or death,” said a doctor.
According to CDC data, nearly 47% of deaths due to sudden cardiac arrest occur before a patient even reaches a hospital.
Doctors added that a fully functional cath lab at Baramulla could save dozens of lives every year.
Locals from Baramulla and Kupwara districts said the absence of an MRI facility at the government hospital has pushed patients to private diagnostic centres, where rates are unaffordable for many.
Zameer Ahmad, a patient from Baramulla, said he recently had to spend nearly Rs 6,000.
“Doctors advised an MRI. But since GMC doesn’t have one, I had no choice. Not everyone can afford private diagnostic centres,” he said.
Residents said there are around 700 health facilities in three districts of north Kashmir — but not a single government hospital has an MRI facility. “We are left with no option but to travel to Srinagar or go to private labs. This is unjust,” they said.
Senior health officials said that the government has already taken up the matter of filling vacant posts.
They also confirmed that MRI procurement and Cath Lab installation have been included in this year’s budgeted works.
“Provision for an MRI machine at GMC Baramulla has been taken up during the current financial year. JKMSCL has been authorised to procure it. Installation will begin once the rate contract is finalised and funds are released,” an official said.
He added: “In the first phase, four new GMCs are being covered; the remaining three will be taken up next financial year.”
Regarding the Cath Lab, the official said that the Cath Lab project at GMC Baramulla has been sanctioned at Rs 12.50 crore this year. Funds worth Rs 9.37 crore have already been released to JKMSCL.”
