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‘Healthcare in North Kashmir on brink of collapse’

  • Mansoor Peer By Mansoor Peer
  • Comments 0
  • 12 Apr 2026

AIMSA appeals govt to establish MRI, Cath Lab facilities at GMC Baramulla

Srinagar, Apr 11: Healthcare delivery, particularly in North Kashmir, is on the brink of collapse due to large-scale vacancies and inadequate facilities at two key Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), the All-India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) said on Saturday.

The association highlighted severe manpower shortages and lack of critical infrastructure at Government Medical College Baramulla and Government Medical College Udhampur.

In a representation to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, AIMSA warned that healthcare delivery, especially in North Kashmir, is under strain due to large-scale vacancies and inadequate facilities.

Quoting data, the association said GMC Baramulla is functioning at barely half of its sanctioned capacity, adding that out of 482 approved posts, only 224 are filled, leaving 258 positions vacant across key departments.

It said the institution is grappling with an acute staff shortage across categories, with only 29 of 65 sanctioned Assistant Professor posts filled, 25 of 59 doctor positions occupied, and just 170 of 358 paramedical staff in place, reflecting a significant gap between sanctioned strength and actual workforce.

The association observed that the manpower shortage has overburdened healthcare workers, resulting in long waiting times, delayed treatments, and compromised patient care.

AIMSA further stated that GMC Baramulla lacks essential diagnostic and emergency facilities such as MRI services and a Cath Lab, forcing patients to travel to Srinagar for basic investigations and life-saving cardiac procedures.

“The situation has caused immense hardship, particularly for economically weaker sections, who struggle with travel costs, delays, and limited access to timely treatment,” it said.

Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, AIMSA Vice President, said patients and attendants have expressed distress over being compelled to travel to Srinagar for essential medical services.

He said such systemic gaps not only increase the financial burden on families but also put lives at risk due to delays in emergency care.

The association also said that GMC Udhampur is facing similar neglect, stating that 183 out of 236 sanctioned posts remain vacant, significantly affecting the hospital’s ability to deliver adequate healthcare services in the region.

AIMSA said the shortage of doctors, faculty, and paramedical staff has reduced efficiency and increased pressure on the existing workforce.

The association urged the government to take concrete steps, including filling all vacant posts on a priority basis, establishing MRI and Cath Lab facilities at GMC Baramulla, upgrading infrastructure and specialist services, and constituting a monitoring committee to ensure timely implementation.

AIMSA stressed that timely government intervention can significantly improve healthcare access in underserved regions of Jammu and Kashmir, warning that continued neglect could further weaken the already fragile healthcare system and erode public trust.

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