Dr Owvass H Dar
Radiology plays an indispensable role in modern medicine, serving as the cornerstone of evidence-based diagnosis and patient management. From routine imaging to complex interventional procedures, radiological services are crucial for ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses, guiding treatment decisions, and improving clinical outcomes.
It is a matter of pride and appreciation that the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has made remarkable strides in augmenting Radiology infrastructure across its public health system. The installation of Computerized Radiography (CR) systems-commonly referred to as digital X-ray machines-along with color Doppler ultrasound machines at almost all Sub-District Hospitals and many Primary Health Centres, has revolutionized basic diagnostic services in peripheral regions.
Furthermore, CT scan services are now operational in most District Hospitals and some Sub-District Hospitals, significantly enhancing the capacity for timely diagnoses, particularly in emergency and trauma care. The progressive establishment of seven new Government Medical Colleges has brought new hope and dimension to healthcare delivery in the UT, particularly in strengthening advanced diagnostic services.
It is pertinent to mention that Radiology services-be it X-ray, ultrasound, Doppler studies, or CT scans-have greatly bolstered diagnostic capabilities in the peripheral areas of the Union Territory. These services have directly translated into improved patient outcomes through faster and more accurate diagnoses, reducing the need for referrals to tertiary care centers like SKIMS Soura or GMC Srinagar.
A notable example is Government Medical College Anantnag, where I have had the privilege of serving as a Consultant Radiologist on deputation for several years. In the calendar year 2024, the Department of Radiology at GMC Anantnag performed over 13,500 CT scans, more than 58,000 ultrasound examinations, and 1,15,000 X-rays. This year, we have already witnessed a 30% increase in workload-clearly reflecting both the growing trust of the public in our services and the increasing burden on the limited manpower.
In addition to routine diagnostics, the department now regularly performs USG- and CT-guided FNACs, image-guided biopsies, percutaneous nephrostomies, and pigtail drainages-interventions that were previously only available at tertiary centers like SKIMS. These services have brought enormous relief to the local population, especially those from remote areas. The sanctioning of high-end MRI facilities for the newly established medical colleges will significantly strengthen diagnostic and clinical management services for patients requiring MRI scans. This development will also help ease the patient load on tertiary care institutions like GMC Srinagar, GMC Jammu, and SKIMS Soura, thereby enhancing overall efficiency within the healthcare system.”
However, despite the commendable progress in equipment installation, human resource gaps remain a critical bottleneck-particularly in peripheral and newly upgraded institutions. In Kashmir Division, most District Hospitals-barring a few like District Hospitals Anantnag, Baramulla, JLNM, Budgam, and Sub-District Hospitals like Qazigund, Trauma Hospital Bijbehara, and Pahalgam-do not have a single sanctioned post of Consultant Radiologist.
Way Forward
To ensure that the infrastructure already in place delivers its full potential, augmentation of human resources is urgently needed. The following phased plan is proposed:
In Phase One – Immediate (Short-Term) Measures, creation of at least two posts of Consultant Radiologist under NHM at each District Hospital, including those attached to the new Medical Colleges, is recommended. Additionally, two Consultant Radiologist posts should be created at MCH Hospital Anantnag, which currently has no sanctioned Radiologist despite catering to a large maternal and pediatric load. As NHM usually has adequate funds, creation of a few Consultant posts at the proposed locations will significantly enhance efficiency and improve patient care, including maternal and child healthcare, thereby elevating overall healthcare indices.
In Phase Two – Intermediate Measures, creation of one Consultant Radiologist post under NHM at all Sub-District Hospitals-particularly where Doppler and CT services are already functional-is proposed.
In Phase Three – Long-Term Vision, creation of regular, permanent posts of Consultant and Senior Consultant Radiologists at all District and Sub-District Hospitals, aligned with workload and population served, should be undertaken.
In a healthcare landscape increasingly driven by data, technology, and timely intervention, Radiology must be recognized not as a luxury, but as a necessity. Strengthening Radiology services across Jammu & Kashmir will be a game-changer for diagnostic precision, patient safety, and the overall efficiency of our public health system.
(The author is a Consultant Radiologist at GMC Anantnag)
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