SRINAGAR: The Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla is set to receive a high-end MRI (3 Tesla) and a state-of-the-art Cath Lab this year, as part of a larger infrastructure enhancement initiative aimed at transforming the region’s medical landscape.
The MRI, worth Rs 25 crore, and the Cath Lab, estimated at Rs 12.50 crore, are expected to be commissioned within the current financial year. Officials say these facilities will not only upgrade diagnostic and interventional capacities at GMC Baramulla but will also reduce the burden on tertiary hospitals in Srinagar by catering to patients across northern districts.
In addition, around 50 kanal of land has been earmarked for the construction of a new Out-Patient Department (OPD) block, a diagnostic block, and a mortuary at GMC Baramulla. These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance both patient capacity and quality of care at the institution, which is emerging as a key referral centre in the region.
Other planned interventions include the installation of digital and AI-based X-ray machines at various sub-district hospitals (SDHs) and community health centres (CHCs), along with the extension of dialysis facilities beyond district hospitals to peripheral locations. This decentralised approach aims to bring critical diagnostic and life-saving interventions closer to underserved populations.
During a detailed review meeting held at the Civil Secretariat, these developments were outlined as part of a comprehensive plan to strengthen Baramulla’s healthcare ecosystem. Officials from the Health Department, Principal GMC Baramulla, Director Health Services Kashmir, and the Mission Director NHM were present, alongside Baramulla MLA Javid Hassan Beigh and other senior officers.
Chairing the meeting, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, underlined the need to strengthen primary and secondary health infrastructure. “There is no room for compromise in the health sector. It directly impacts the well-being and productivity of our society,” she said, stressing that health remains a top priority under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Itoo directed the concerned officers to expedite pending upgradations, establish a digital X-ray facility at GMC Baramulla, and ensure the immediate provision of a 104 Ambulance vehicle to the hospital. She also asked for proper utilisation of the Hospital Development Fund (HDF) to improve basic patient amenities and called for urgent reporting of any non-functional medical equipment for timely rectification.
In a presentation during the meeting, Dr Shumail Bashir, Associate Professor at GMC Baramulla, gave an overview of the hospital’s existing capabilities and highlighted areas requiring intervention.
Concluding the meeting, the Minister urged for efficient staffing, transparency in resource utilisation, and continuous monitoring to ensure that the ongoing healthcare upgrades deliver tangible outcomes for the people of Baramulla and its neighbouring areas.
