North Kashmir residents demand trauma care facilities amid surge in accidents

Baramulla, Nov 19: The lack of trauma care facilities across north Kashmir, including at the Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, has sparked concern among the residents here.

With an alarming rise in accidents across Kashmir, the absence of critical care infrastructure is increasingly proving fatal for the victims.

On the Srinagar-Baramulla highway, authorities had earlier envisioned a dedicated trauma hospital to cater to critically injured patients.

However, the facility remained short-lived, and the building was repurposed as the Sub-District Hospital Pattan.

It now operates without the essential services required for trauma care, leaving the entire area without a single functional trauma facility.

In the three districts of north Kashmir - Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora – there is not a single ICU or ventilator support, forcing critically injured patients to be referred to hospitals in Srinagar.

Unfortunately, many patients succumb en route due to the delay in receiving proper medical attention.

The authorities had previously assured that the ICU and trauma care facilities would be introduced at GMC Baramulla, but no significant progress has been made.

Even post-surgery patients requiring ventilator support are referred to Srinagar.

Mehrajuddin, a Baramulla resident, recounted a harrowing experience when his 10-year-old son required emergency surgery for appendicitis but could not be operated at GMC Baramulla due to the lack of ventilator backup.

The child was referred to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, where no ventilators were available, and was eventually treated at SKIMS.

“Had ventilator support been available at GMC Baramulla, the surgery could have been performed locally, sparing us the ordeal and risk of travel,” Mehrajuddin said.

Accidents highlight need for trauma care

Baramulla district’s mountainous terrain and areas like Uri, known for frequent accidents, are especially vulnerable.

Many passenger vehicles have plunged into gorges, causing numerous fatalities and injuries.

Muhammad Arif, a resident of Uri, while stressing the importance of an ICU at GMC Baramulla said, “In the absence of ICU facilities, the GMC is unable to serve its full potential. Establishing an ICU here could save countless lives.”

The residents have urged the government to prioritise the establishment of trauma and ICU facilities in north Kashmir to address the growing crisis and reduce preventable deaths caused by inadequate healthcare infrastructure.