Cath Lab, other facilities renewed hope for patients of South Kashmir, parts of Chenab valley
JAMMU, APRIL 20: Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has rapidly emerged as a vital centre for advanced cardiac care, offering renewed hope to patients across South Kashmir and parts of the Chenab Valley.
The recent establishment of a state-of-the-art Cath Lab at the institution marks a significant milestone in strengthening tertiary healthcare services in the region.
Commissioned in April 2025, the high-end Cath Lab established by Omar Abdullah led Government has transformed the cardiac care landscape in South Kashmir. In a short span of just nine months, the Department of Cardiology has successfully conducted over 3,000 procedures, including more than 1,000 critical life-saving interventions such as primary angioplasties and pacemaker implantations.
The Cath Lab has significantly strengthened timely and life-saving interventions like coronary angiography, angioplasty, pacemaker implantation, electrophysiological studies, and other advanced cardiac procedures. This facility has brought critical cardiac care closer to the people of South Kashmir and other adjoining districts, eliminating the need for patients to travel long distances for specialized treatment.
The facility, functioning under HoD, Dr. Syed Maqbool and other cardio specialists like Dr. Shamim Iqbal; Dr Showkat Hussain Shah and Dr Shahood is currently performing an average of 10–15 procedures and is catering not only to patients from South Kashmir but also from several districts of the Jammu division, including Banihal, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, and Poonch.
Demonstrating high efficiency and preparedness, the cardiology also achieved a door-to-balloon time of just 15–20 minutes in eight primary angioplasty cases handled within a 12-hour window, an indicator of adherence to top clinical standards in emergency cardiac care.
Prior to the establishment of this facility, patients from South Kashmir, home to an estimated population of 25 lakh, were compelled to travel nearly 70 kilometers to Srinagar for specialized cardiac treatment. This often led to critical delays during emergencies and adversely impacted patient outcomes.
The Cath Lab at GMC Anantnag has effectively bridged this crucial gap, significantly improving accessibility and timely intervention.
In a further boost to its growing reputation, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has granted accreditation for three DrNB (Doctorate of National Board) super-specialty seats in cardiology to GMC Anantnag. This recognition, awarded to the Department of Cardiology on February 17, underscores the institution’s advanced medical infrastructure and clinical capabilities.
Notably, GMC Anantnag has become the first among newly established medical colleges in the country to receive such accreditation, marking a historic achievement.
Recently, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo also dedicated 1.5 tesla MRI facility for the public use at the associated hospital of GMC Anantnag, describing the development as a landmark moment for both treatment and specialist care at the facility.
She described the MRI facility as a major milestone and a long-pending addition that will significantly improve diagnostic services at the hospital. “The facility will benefit patients across South Kashmir by providing timely and advanced diagnostic services locally, reducing the need for referrals to Srinagar hospitals,” she said.
Apart from these advanced facilities like Cath Lab and MRI facility, other facilities like advanced modular OTs and free diet for patients have also been started by the present Government.
Moreover, a Sarai is also being established in the Associated Hospital of GMC Anantnag to provide support to attendants during their stay in hospitals.
A recent news report published in a local daily has presented a one-sided and incomplete picture of Cardiac facilities and services available at GMC Anantnag. The report fails to acknowledge the substantial progress made in upgrading healthcare infrastructure and expanding specialized services at the institution.
The Government reiterates that continuous efforts are underway to enhance medical facilities and ensure optimal patient care. Recruitment of necessary medical and paramedical staff is being carried out on a regular basis to further strengthen service delivery. The achievements of GMC Anantnag, particularly in the field of cardiology, reflect a committed approach towards improving public healthcare and addressing long-standing regional gaps.
