Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Mar 2: Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla is operating without specialist doctors, particularly cardiologists and nephrologists, causing difficulties for people across north Kashmir.
Due to the absence of cardiologists, for the last nearly three months, patients needing urgent care are shifted to Srinagar, leading to delays and increased health risks.
Earlier, a doctor from the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, was posted at the hospital but was recently appointed as an Assistant Professor at GMC Udhampur.
Excelsior has been informed that the doctor, who was handling such cases till three months ago, was a DM in Cardiology and after his selection, GMC Baramulla was left without any specialist, creating challenges for patients.
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Even though there is a dire need for a specialist cardiologist at the hospital, no replacement has been provided despite the passage of several months, affecting patient care.
“People visit GMC from different areas of north Kashmir, especially in emergencies related to cardiac issues. However, due to the non-availability of specialists, they are left with no option but to take their patients to Srinagar,” said Waseem Ahmad, a local resident.
He recalled a recent incident where a patient, who had apparently suffered a cardiac arrest, was brought to GMC Baramulla for treatment. However, upon learning that no specialists were available, the patient had to be referred to Srinagar.
Doctors highlighted the sensitivity of such cases, stressing that any delay in necessary treatment could be risky.
“In such cases, immediate treatment is crucial. If precious time is wasted, it can prove fatal. These cases need to be attended immediately, which is not possible at GMC due to the absence of a cardiologist,” a doctor said.
He also noted that one cardiologist is not enough for GMC Baramulla, stressing that at least two and minimum one is required to effectively meet patient needs and prevent people from traveling to Srinagar.
The doctors also said that there might have been an increase in referrals of such patients to tertiary care hospitals due to the lack of a specialist, leading to a higher burden on those hospitals and, more importantly, added risk to the patients.
Notably, under the previous cardiologist—who has now moved to GMC Udhampur—several pacemaker implants were conducted. In the absence of a specialist, follow-up treatment for these patients has also been affected.
“There are also instances where patients scheduled for other procedures require clearance from various specialists, including cardiologists. That process has also been impacted,” doctors said.
Medical Superintendent of Associated Hospital GMC Baramulla, Dr. Pervaiz Masoodi, told Excelsior that he has already raised the issue with the concerned authorities.
Meanwhile, while GMC provides dialysis services at an eight-bed facility, it also lacks the services of a nephrologist, which doctors say is essential.
“For consultations and expert opinions, a nephrologist is needed. However, GMC Baramulla has been functioning without one, forcing patients to seek medical advice in Srinagar,” insiders said.
Officials from the Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department told Excelsior that they are working on a plan to ensure the availability of specialists at GMC Baramulla.
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