SRINAGAR: The FAIMA Doctors Association (National Executive Jammu Kashmir) has written to Union Health Minister Dr JP Nadda, raising serious concern over the lack of hostel and basic facilities for students at Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara in Jammu Kashmir.
In a letter led by Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, National Executive Member of Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), the association highlighted the “grave hardships” faced by students who are compelled to stay in costly and unsafe private accommodations amid Kashmir’s harsh winter conditions. The absence of hostel facilities, FAIMA said, has severely impacted students’ safety, financial stability, and academic focus.
“The absence of a hostel has made life extremely difficult for these students. It is disheartening to see future doctors, who should be dedicating themselves to study and patient care, battling issues of accommodation and security,” Dr Khan said.
The association underscored that female students face greater risks while staying in unmonitored and insecure private lodgings. Despite government directives in March 2025 and the formation of a committee in May 2025 to address the issue, no concrete progress has been made, FAIMA added.
Calling for immediate government intervention, FAIMA urged the Union Health Ministry to ensure the provision of safe and affordable hostel facilities and expedite the construction of permanent infrastructure at GMC Handwara.
“A hostel is not a luxury — it is a necessity,” Dr Khan stated, appealing to the Health Minister to act swiftly so that students can “live and learn with dignity and safety.”
