Avinash Azad
In a development that raises serious questions about planning, oversight, and long-term feasibility, the Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday confirmed that the Government Medical College (GMC) Udhampur has been split between two separate sites—12 kilometers apart—due to space constraints, even as concerns mount over violations of critical medical infrastructure norms, inadequate parking, and staff accommodation issues.
The confirmation came in response to pointed questions raised in the J&K Assembly by MLA Pawan Gupta, who grilled the administration over what he described as glaring lapses in planning and execution of one of the UT’s flagship health infrastructure projects.
🚧 Planned as One, Built as Two: The Splintered Reality
Initially planned at a single location, GMC Udhampur was later split between the congested District Hospital Udhampur complex (housing the 200-bed teaching hospital) and Village Baili (accommodating residential quarters, hostels, and administrative blocks). The move, which distances critical medical facilities and staff housing by over 12 km, has sparked controversy.
Although the government cited NMC guidelines—which allow for multiple plots in hilly regions provided the sites are within a 10 km radius or 30 minutes travel time—the relocation to a congested hospital with only 60 kanals of land falls far short of the 200-kanal requirement, raising eyebrows over the project’s feasibility and compliance.
🌿 Open Space vs Open Questions
While the administration claims that the green space requirement has been technically met—with only 15.8% of the total 88,550 sqm area under construction and 84.2% left as open/green space—critics argue that the District Hospital itself remains overburdened, with expansion now hinging on the acquisition of the adjacent ITI building.
🅿️ Parking Chaos: Oversight or Neglect?
In a shocking admission, the government acknowledged that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) did not include basement or ground-floor parking in the new hospital block. While no action has been taken against those responsible, authorities now plan to repurpose the existing ITI space to develop parking and other essential services—a move that seems more like damage control than proactive planning.
🏥 Maternity & Critical Care Block on Hold
To decongest the complex, the Health Department has expressed intent to acquire the ITI building for a 50-bedded Maternity and Critical Care Block (CCB) under ECRP-II. The proposal is currently with the Skill Development Department, but timelines remain unclear.
⚡ Power Station in the Way? Committee Formed
Another infrastructure hurdle? The Power Receiving Station located within the complex. A committee has been formed by the District Development Commissioner to explore relocating it—but no firm decision has yet been made.
🚑 Emergency Response Concerns Remain
In one of the most concerning revelations, doctors’ residential quarters have been placed 12–15 km away from the hospital. While the government says 24×7 duty rosters and on-call arrangements are in place, the lack of on-campus housing could critically affect emergency response times, especially in peak hours or natural disasters.
🧠 The Bigger Picture
Sanctioned in 2019 under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, GMC Udhampur was touted as a game-changer for healthcare in the region. But as this investigation reveals, the split-site model, space limitations, planning oversights, and emergency service vulnerabilities paint a far more complicated—and troubling—picture.
Whether these issues are ironed out in time or become systemic flaws remains to be seen. 📌 Stay tuned to The Hidden News for further updates on this developing story.
