Govt to Establish MRI, Cath Lab Worth ₹37.50 Crore at GMC Baramulla: Major Boost for Healthcare in North Kashmir
Addressing Critical Healthcare Gaps
For years, GMC Baramulla has struggled with the absence of essential facilities such as MRI and Cath Lab services. Patients in Baramulla and adjoining districts have been forced to travel to Srinagar or rely on expensive private diagnostic centers for crucial tests and cardiac interventions, often losing precious time during medical emergencies. The lack of a Cath Lab, in particular, has compromised the hospital’s ability to perform life-saving procedures like primary angioplasty during the “golden hour” after a heart attack, resulting in avoidable delays and increased risk for patients.
Patient Hardship and Community Demand
Hundreds of patients requiring advanced cardiac care or MRI scans have faced significant hardships. Many have shared experiences of financial strain, with MRI scans at private centers costing between ₹5,000 and ₹6,000—amounts unaffordable for many families in the region. Community members and healthcare professionals have repeatedly called for the establishment of these vital facilities to ensure timely, affordable, and high-quality care for the population of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora districts.
Government Response and Infrastructure Development
Responding to these urgent needs, the government has sanctioned ₹37.50 crore for the development of both MRI and Cath Lab facilities at GMC Baramulla. This move is expected to:
Enhance diagnostic capabilities, enabling timely and accurate detection of complex conditions.
Reduce patient referrals to distant hospitals, saving lives during cardiac emergencies.
Lower out-of-pocket expenses for patients, making advanced diagnostics accessible to all.
Strengthen GMC Baramulla’s role as a comprehensive healthcare provider for over 30 lakh residents in North Kashmir.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite this major announcement, GMC Baramulla continues to face challenges, including staff shortages and delays in infrastructure development due to halted construction work. Hospital authorities remain hopeful that these issues will be addressed promptly, allowing the new facilities to become operational at the earliest.
Commitment to Comprehensive Healthcare
The addition of MRI and Cath Lab services marks a pivotal step in GMC Baramulla’s evolution into a leading tertiary care institution. With a daily footfall of 2,500–3,000 patients and a catchment area covering lakhs of residents, the hospital’s enhanced capabilities are expected to significantly improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction across North Kashmir.
The government’s investment underscores a strong commitment to equitable, modern, and accessible healthcare for all, promising a brighter and healthier future for the people of Baramulla and beyond.
© JOURNALIST MOMIN MIR
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