SYED BASHARAT UL HASSAN
Poonch,DD: During today’s Legislative Assembly Budget Session, Hon’ble MLA Poonch highlighted a grave healthcare crisis in the Pir Panjal region, particularly concerning Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri. He recalled that the foundation of GMC Rajouri was sanctioned during 2012-2013, following relentless efforts by Ajaz Jan MLA Poonch and Late Thakur Rashpal Singh MLA Kalakote. With the strong commitment of the then Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah, the Government of India approved the establishment of GMC Rajouri. However, even after 12 years, the institution continues to suffer from a severe shortage of doctors and paramedical staff, indicating the failure of previous governments to address this critical issue.
The MLA raised serious concerns over the fact that GMC Rajouri currently operates without a Principal, hampering its administration and functioning. Additionally, there is a dire shortage of ambulances, further exacerbating the crisis. The situation is equally alarming in District Hospital Poonch and several sub-hospitals, including PHCs in Mandi, Sawjian, Loran, Mangnar, Bandichachia, Degwar Terwa, Ajote, Khanater, Bedar, Nangali, and Pleara, which are facing an acute shortage of doctors.
The MLA strongly urged the Hon’ble Health Minister to take immediate steps to fill the vacant posts and deploy the required medical staff at GMC Rajouri and other healthcare institutions in the region. He also demanded that patients from Poonch requiring specialized treatment be referred to Srinagar’s SKIMS Soura or GMC Jammu, depending on their condition. At present, referral patients from Poonch are left helpless due to the lack of necessary treatment facilities and ambulance services.
Particularly distressing is the plight of pregnant women, who are not provided ambulances for referral to Jammu or Srinagar, putting their lives and the lives of their unborn children at severe risk. The lack of proper transport for critically ill patients remains unexplained and unacceptable.
Hon’ble MLA Poonch called upon the government to address this healthcare emergency without delay, ensuring that the people of Poonch and the border areas receive the medical care and support they rightfully deserve. DD
