Baramulla health hopes on hold amid facility delays

Baramulla, Oct 23: Patients across north Kashmir are expressing growing frustration as the installation of a long-promised MRI and Cath Lab at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla continues to be delayed, even months after official approval.

Health Minister Sakeena Itoo had announced the sanctioning of these critical facilities during a review meeting in Baramulla in July, raising hopes among residents who have been demanding advanced diagnostic and cardiac services locally for years. Yet, the delay has left many patients dependent on costly private hospitals or long-distance travel to Srinagar for specialised care.

The MRI, once operational, will provide advanced imaging for neurological, musculoskeletal, and internal organ conditions, while the Cath Lab will allow interventional cardiac procedures, including angioplasty and stenting. These facilities are expected to ease pressure on tertiary care centres and make life-saving procedures accessible to the region’s population.

“This facility is crucial not just for cardiology patients but for the overall healthcare of north Kashmir,” said Muhammad Amin, a resident. “People shouldn’t have to spend huge amounts in private hospitals for services that should be available here.”

Officials at GMC Baramulla confirmed the sanctioning of both units — a 1.5 Tesla MRI worth Rs 15–16 crore and a Cath Lab worth Rs 12 crore — and said space has been earmarked for their installation. Authorities are now being urged to expedite the process so that residents can finally benefit from these long-awaited medical services.

The establishment of these facilities is expected to be a game-changer for healthcare in north Kashmir, reducing travel burdens, cutting costs, and providing critical diagnostic and cardiac care locally.