Anantnag, Apr 03 (KNO): In a landmark development for healthcare in South Kashmir, the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag on Friday witnessed the inauguration of a much-awaited Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facility, along with three state-of-the-art modular operation theatres and a vitrectomy machine for advanced eye care.
The facilities, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), were formally inaugurated by Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo, who termed the occasion as a “major step towards strengthening public healthcare infrastructure” in the region.
It’s in place to mention here that with the commissioning of the MRI unit, GMC Anantnag has become the first among the newly established medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir to be equipped with such an advanced diagnostic facility. The MRI machine is expected to be made fully operational shortly.
Talking to reporters the Minister said that the government is committed to bridging healthcare gaps and ensuring that people receive quality medical services closer to their homes.
"South Kashmir’s long-pending health demands are finally being fulfilled—MRI, cath lab, modular OTs, better care. This hospital is not just a building but a lifeline. People must keep it clean, respect doctors, and strengthen the patient-doctor bond for better healthcare outcomes,” she said.
She added that the installation of these facilities marks a transformative shift in patient care, particularly for economically weaker sections who often struggle to access costly diagnostic and surgical services in private institutions.
For years, the absence of MRI services in government hospitals across South Kashmir had forced patients to turn to private diagnostic centres, spending between Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000 per scan. Many patients had reported delays in diagnosis and treatment due to financial constraints.
Locals welcomed the move, saying it would significantly ease their burden. “This facility will save both time and money. Earlier, we had no option but to go to private centres,” said a resident.
Medical experts at GMC Anantnag noted that MRI is a crucial, non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides detailed imaging for detecting neurological disorders, spinal injuries, tumours, and other complex conditions. “It’s availability will greatly enhance our ability to make timely and accurate treatment decisions,” a doctor said.
In addition to the MRI unit, the three newly inaugurated modular operation theatres are expected to boost surgical efficiency and reduce waiting times for procedures. The vitrectomy machine, installed in the Department of Ophthalmology, will enable advanced treatment of retinal and other complex eye diseases, which previously required referrals outside the region.
GMC Anantnag Principal Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb congratulated the people of South Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region, stating that the addition of these facilities will go a long way in meeting the growing healthcare needs of the population.
She expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support, saying the institution is steadily evolving to meet expectations and deliver improved patient care—(KNO)