JAMMU: The government has invested significantly in GMC Doda, with an approved allocation of Rs 189 crore for the project. This includes Rs 139 crore for civil works and Rs 50 crore for machinery and equipment. Of the allocated funds, Rs 169.95 crore has been utilised so far.
However, due to cost escalations, the estimated expenditure for civil works has increased to Rs 164.90 crore. The Administrative Council has approved the additional cost through Government Order No. 499-JK(HME) dated April 5, 2024. While the central share of funding has been fully disbursed, an additional Rs 9.50 crore has been earmarked under the Capex Budget 2024-25 to cover the remaining works.
Government Medical College (GMC) Doda was established under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Establishment of New Medical Colleges Attached with Existing Referral/District Hospitals.” The scheme, sanctioned by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, also included the establishment of similar institutions in Anantnag, Baramulla, Kathua, and Rajouri. However, despite nearly five years since its inception, GMC Doda still lags behind in infrastructure and staffing when compared to its counterparts in Baramulla, Anantnag, and Kathua.
The sanctioned strength of staff at GMC Doda is 432, but only 305 personnel are currently in position, leaving a gap of 117 vacancies. The government has referred all vacant faculty positions to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) for recruitment, and faculty members are also being engaged on an academic arrangement basis under SO 364 of 2020. In addition, Consultants and Senior Consultants from the Health Gazetted Services are being deputed to GMC Doda to meet departmental needs. Recruitment of non-gazetted staff is currently under consideration.
In terms of diagnostic facilities, GMC Doda has two functional CT scan machines and one functional Fibroscan machine (Echosens 630) at Associated Hospital GMC Doda. However, the college is yet to acquire an MRI machine, limiting its ability to provide advanced diagnostic services.
Despite the college being operational for nearly five years, postgraduate MD/MS courses have not yet been introduced. The government has stated that GMC Doda plans to commence postgraduate courses in broad specialties from the academic year 2027-28. Meanwhile, Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses are being offered in select disciplines, including medicine, surgery, obstetrics, and gynaecology.
The delay in fully equipping GMC Doda is primarily attributed to cost escalations and administrative hurdles. The government asserts that steps are being taken to address these challenges and ensure the timely completion of pending works.
