Avinash Azad
As Jammu & Kashmir pushes forward with its ambitious medical infrastructure expansion, serious questions are being raised over spending priorities, planning oversight, and ground-level execution—this time, centered around the high-profile Government Medical College (GMC), Udhampur.
In a detailed response to MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania on Monday, the J&K government revealed that over ₹71 crore has been spent on the establishment and functioning of GMC Udhampur so far—covering infrastructure, administrative, and operational expenses. Yet, beneath the surface of spreadsheets and sanctioned allocations lies a narrative of high-value procurement with low public benefit, staffing shortages, and looming deadlines.
The Numbers Behind GMC Udhampur: A Deep Pocket, But Leaky Logic?
The government disclosed the following financial details:
-Infrastructure Works (CSS & UT Capex):
– ₹215.65 lakh allotted under CSS; ₹116.78 lakh spent
– ₹1116.19 lakh under UT Capex; ₹290.34 lakh spent
– Administrative Expenses:
– ₹360 lakh sanctioned; ₹261.52 lakh spent
– Operational Salaries & Other Costs:
– ₹4475.26 lakh sanctioned; ₹3518.01 lakh spent
Total Expenditure (approx.): ₹7,186.65 lakh (~₹71.87 crore)
Despite this substantial outlay, the question persists: Is the public getting its due share of services, access, and transparency in return?
A ₹7-Crore Machine, 53 Tests Later: Necessary Tech or Misplaced Purchase?
At the heart of the controversy is the procurement of an Image Modulating System (O-Arm)—a state-of-the-art radiological device costing ₹7 crore. Installed in the Operation Theatre of the Associated Hospital, the O-Arm has so far been used for just 53 procedures, according to official data.
The machine’s acquisition raised eyebrows due to the absence of a neurosurgeon at GMC Udhampur—a necessary specialist for performing complex neurological imaging. However, the government defended the move, stating: “Orthopedic surgeons have successfully performed spine and ortho surgeries using the O-Arm. As per guidelines from the National Medical Commission, both orthopedic and neuro-surgeons are deemed competent to use it.”
Still, observers argue that such high-cost equipment should follow a more strategic logic—matched with staff availability, case load, and service reach.
Completion Timeline: March 2025, But Will They Make It?
The Centre has fixed March 31, 2025, as the deadline for Phase-III completion of the medical college under CSS funding. The government claims: “No technical standard violations have been reported by the executing agency (PWD) so far.”
Yet, given the slow expenditure rate (only a fraction of allotted Capex has been utilized), and ongoing dependency on temporary arrangements for staffing and infrastructure, the race to the deadline looks steep.
Planning Gaps and Public Accountability
Critics argue that the GMC Udhampur model reflects a growing disconnect between procurement and operational readiness. Large sums are spent—but are doctors, staff, and patients fully equipped to extract the intended benefits?
MLA Pathania’s pointed queries revealed:
– The lack of punitive action or audit flags regarding mismanagement
– Staffing mismatches against equipment usage
– Questions about decision-making without adequate technical support
What Next?
While the government paints a picture of progress, voters and healthcare advocates are demanding transparency, efficiency, and tangible delivery from what is meant to be a flagship institution. As the clock ticks toward March 2025, one thing is clear: GMC Udhampur may be built with crores—but unless its foundations are matched by policy integrity and ground-level accountability, it risks becoming another costly promise lost in bureaucratic fog. 🗞️ For more exclusive governance reports and investigative healthcare stories, stay with The Hidden News.
