GMC Anantnag brings high-end pain care closer

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 13: In a boost to specialised healthcare in South Kashmir, Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has operationalised an advanced pain clinic, offering minimally invasive treatment for chronic pain, reducing dependence on referrals to tertiary centres.
The facility, which has been thrown open at the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, introduces a range of modern pain management procedures, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), epidural injections for cancer pain, nerve blocks, and other image-guided interventions.
Hospital authorities said the clinic is a shift toward comprehensive, multidisciplinary pain care within the institution, particularly benefiting patients who previously had to travel to Srinagar or outside J&K for such services.
“This clinic is a major step toward improving quality of life for patients suffering from chronic pain. Pain management is not just about relief, it is about restoring dignity and functionality,” Principal, Prof. Dr. Ruksana Najeeb said, adding that the initiative reflects the institution’s growing capacity to deliver advanced, patient-centric care.
A key highlight of the facility is the availability of the RFA machine, a specialised device that uses heat generated by radio waves to deactivate nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals.
The minimally invasive procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and is seen as an effective alternative to prolonged medication or surgery.
Head of the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Dr. Anjum Shamim, said the clinic will significantly ease the burden on patients.
“For years, patients with chronic back pain, cancer pain, or nerve-related conditions had limited options locally. With this clinic, we can now offer targeted, evidence-based treatments under one roof,” she said.