Jammu: In a major push to boost healthcare in J&K, all government medical colleges have been directed to adopt one district hospital each.
The process has already begun, and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between medical colleges and district hospitals are expected to be signed soon. In the Jammu division, five of the ten districts have government medical colleges—Jammu, Kathua, Rajouri, Udhampur and Doda—while Reasi, Samba, Ramban, Kishtwar and Poonch does not have any medical college. Under the new arrangement, each medical college will mentor and support one district hospital in a neighbouring district.
According to the proposed planGovernment Medical College (GMC) Jammu will adopt District Hospital Reasi. GMC Kathua to mentor District Hospital Samba, GMC Rajouri District Hospital Poonch, GMC Udhampur District Hospital Ramban and GMC Doda will adopt District Hospital Kishtwar.
The pairing has been largely finalized, with formal agreements expected shortly. As per sources the initiative is expected to improve access to specialist healthcare services in district hospitals. Super-specialist doctors from medical colleges will conduct regular outreach camps, providing consultations in specialties such as neurology, nephrology, cardiology and oncology, which are currently unavailable in most district hospitals. Medical colleges will also assist in upgrading healthcare infrastructure and facilities.
Recently, GMC Jammu Principal Dr. Ashutosh Gupta had met Reasi District Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Karmveer Singh to discuss the collaboration. Dr. Singh said the adoption process is underway and that the partnership will enable Reasi residents to access super-specialist services that are currently unavailable at the hospital.
GMC Kathua Principal Dr. Surinder Kumar Atri said the college will adopt District Hospital Samba and support the upgradation of critical care facilities, including Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and Coronary Care Units (CCUs).
Similarly, GMC Rajouri Principal Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia confirmed that the college has decided to adopt District Hospital Poonch and will extend full support to enhance healthcare services and infrastructure there.
The initiative will also be implemented in the Kashmir division, where GMC Srinagar, GMC Baramulla, GMC Anantnag and GMC Handwara will adopt district hospitals. A senior official from the Health and Medical Education Department said the decision is aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and services in district and sub-district hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir, with positive outcomes expected in the coming months.
