Single MRI machine struggles to meet huge patient influx at GMC Jammu

Request for new machine submitted to Govt, procurement expected soon: Pr GMC

Jammu: Government hospitals in Jammu region are under severe strain as they contend with an ever-increasing patient load, particularly from remote regions such as Chenab and Pir Panjal.These hospitals are grappling with acute shortages of medical infrastructure and doctors, raising serious questions about the state of public healthcare in the region.The situation reached a flashpoint recently during the assembly session, where lawmakers voiced concerns about the poor public health conditions and the chronic shortage of doctors in Jammu’s hilly areas.

The issue sparked several disruptions and protests, underscoring the deep-rooted challenges that persist in these underserved communities. For the people of these remote regions, accessible and quality medical treatment remains a distant dream.Patients from Chenab and Pir Panjal often travel long distances to Jammu Medical College, clinging to hopes for better care.However, many are left disappointed due to the hospital’s inability to cope with the overwhelming influx. Despite handling large patient volumes for years, Jammu Medical College faces significant challenges: a severe shortage of infrastructure, inadequate facilities, and insufficient staffing all contribute to weeks-long waiting times and unmet medical needs.

Crucially, Jammu Medical College currently operates with only one CT scan machine and one MRI machine. The demand far exceeds capacity, forcing patients to wait for months—a major barrier to timely and effective treatment. “For thousands of patients in the region, there is only one government MRI machine, which is struggling to handle the large patient load. If there is a malfunction in this one machine, patients are deprived of even this facility. The other four medical colleges in the region do not have MRI machines; patients must travel to Jammu Medical College for such services,” a senior medico posted at the hospital told.

The situation has deteriorated further following the breakdown of one of the two MRI machines at Government Medical College Jammu. The now-defunct unit, which had been in use for 25 years, has left the hospital relying on a single machine—one that is only about a year and a half old. As a result, all patients are dependent on this lone unit, and waiting times regularly extend into weeks.Principal of Government Medical College Jammu, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, confirmed that a formal request for a new MRI machine has been submitted to the government, and procurement is expected soon.

Health Minister Sakina Itoo, has also acknowledged the immense pressure on GMC Jammu. “Patients, including couples, come from all the remote areas, and most of the referrals are directed to GMC Jammu,” she said.“Since the current government has taken office, we have installed a significant amount of equipment at GMC Hospital, including a new line of equipment worth several crores. The cath lab, which was either unavailable or not fully functional before, has now been made operational. If further improvements are needed, the government is committed to addressing them, and requests have already been submitted.”