Srinagar, Feb 22 (KNO): Patients in north Kashmir feel they are back to square one as Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla has been functioning without a cardiologist for the past few months.
Several patients suffering from cardiovascular issues, who had been receiving treatment at GMC Baramulla for the last two years, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the absence of a cardiologist has left them in distress. They are now forced to travel to Srinagar once again for treatment, reversing the relief they had experienced.
"For two years, we had access to cardiac care at GMC Baramulla, which was a huge relief. Now, in the absence of a cardiologist, we are back to struggling with long and exhausting trips to Srinagar," said Abdul Rashid, a cardiac patient from Baramulla.
He added that cardiac patients previously benefited from local services, eliminating the need for strenuous travel. However, with no specialists available, even basic consultations and follow-ups now require travel to Srinagar.
Nazir Ahmad, another patient, highlighted the impact of the missing specialist. "The availability of a cardiologist at GMC Baramulla had eased our difficulties. We could get tests like echocardiograms and essential heart treatments locally. Now, we are back to where we started, facing the same hardships again," he said.
He added that regular follow-ups are critical for heart patients, and travelling to Srinagar for every consultation is not only exhausting but also financially burdensome.
"In 2023, I had a dual-chamber pacemaker implanted at GMC Baramulla. However, after the cardiologist was transferred, I have been unable to receive regular follow-ups. Travelling to Srinagar for consultations is both physically exhausting and financially challenging," he said.
The absence of specialised cardiac care in Baramulla has also affected patients' families. Many have to take time off work or spend heavily on transportation to accompany their loved ones to Srinagar. This creates a major barrier to essential healthcare, especially for those with limited financial means.
Residents said that GMC Anantnag and GMC Baramulla were established at the same time, yet GMC Anantnag now has a functional cath lab, while GMC Baramulla does not even have a cardiologist.
They urged authorities to appoint a permanent cardiologist at GMC Baramulla to ease the suffering of cardiac patients across North Kashmir. The lack of a specialist is also increasing the patient load in Srinagar hospitals, as those from North Kashmir have no other option but to seek treatment there.
Meanwhile, Principal GMC Baramulla, Dr Majid Jahangir told KNO that the issue has already been raised with higher authorities. "We are hopeful that a cardiologist will be posted here soon," he said—(KNO)