J&K, Ladakh High Court Seeks Urgent Action on Healthcare Crisis
Shortage of Doctors in Remote Areas and Delay in GMC Jammu Over-Bridge Under Judicial Scrutiny
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Tejveer Singh March 28, 2025||
The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has taken a strong stance on two critical healthcare issues—the acute shortage of doctors in remote areas of J&K and Ladakh and the long-pending demand for an over-bridge connecting Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, with its associated hospitals.
A Division Bench (DB) comprising Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice M.A. Chowdhary directed the Senior Additional Advocate General (Sr. AAG) S.S. Nanda to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) regarding the government’s steps to address doctor shortages in far-flung areas. The court also pulled up the Public Works (R&B) Department for its failure to submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed over-bridge, despite multiple official reminders.
The directives came while hearing Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 16/2018) filed by RTI activist Balwinder Singh, who has raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of healthcare in both UTs.
GMC Jammu Over-Bridge: A Project Delayed for Over 22 Months
A key concern raised in the PIL is the urgent need for an over-bridge or underpass to safely connect GMC Jammu with its associated hospitals, which include:
• Bone and Joint Hospital
• Chest Diseases Hospital
• Psychiatric Hospital
• The upcoming new Critical Care Block at CD Hospital
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed, appearing for the petitioner along with Advocates Rahul Raina, Supriya Chouhan, M. Zulkarnain Chowdhary, and Aadhar Gupta, presented a series of communications dating back to June 12, 2023, sent by the Principal and Dean, GMC Jammu, to the Chief Engineer, Public Works (R&B) Department, Jammu. These communications urged the department to prepare the DPR and expedite the project, citing its critical importance for patient care and emergency services.
However, despite multiple reminders, the final one being March 4, 2025, no action has been taken. The delay of over 22 months in preparing even the DPR exposes the lack of urgency in healthcare infrastructure planning, argued Advocate Ahmed.
Court’s Tough Stand: Action Taken Report Ordered, Personal Appearance Warning Issued
Taking a serious view of the matter, the Division Bench issued the following directives:
1. Action Taken Report (ATR) on Communications by GMC Jammu:
• Sr. AAG S.S. Nanda must submit a detailed report on why the Public Works (R&B) Department has not acted on the communications from GMC Jammu.
2. Submission of the DPR Before Next Hearing:
• The Chief Engineer, Public Works (R&B) Department, Jammu, must file the DPR for the proposed over-bridge/underpass before the next hearing.
• The Secretary, PW (R&B) Department, Civil Secretariat, Jammu/Srinagar, must ensure compliance.
3. Personal Appearance of Chief Engineer if No Action Taken:
• If the DPR is not submitted before the next hearing, the Chief Engineer, PW (R&B) Department, Jammu, must appear in person before the Court.
4. Sharing of Court Order with Concerned Authorities:
• The Registry shall provide copies of CM No. 1400/2025 (a fresh application filed by the petitioner) and the Court’s order to Sr. AAG S.S. Nanda.
5. Compliance Report on Doctor Shortages in Remote Areas:
• Both Sr. AAG S.S. Nanda (for J&K) and DSGI Vishal Sharma (for Ladakh) must file compliance reports on the steps taken to address the doctor shortages in peripheral areas.
Healthcare in Rural J&K and Ladakh: A Worsening Crisis
Beyond the GMC over-bridge project, the PIL also highlights the grim reality of healthcare services in rural and border areas of J&K and Ladakh.
Major Concerns Raised in the PIL:
1. Severe Doctor Shortage:
• Many district hospitals and sub-district healthcare centers lack adequate medical professionals, forcing patients to travel long distances for treatment.
2. Understaffed Primary Health Centers (PHCs):
• Remote healthcare centers remain non-functional due to a lack of doctors, nurses, and paramedics.
3. Overburdened Urban Hospitals:
• The lack of medical facilities in rural areas has increased patient load at tertiary hospitals, leading to overcrowding and long waiting times.
4. Government’s Failure to Address the Crisis:
• Despite repeated court directions and policy recommendations, the government has failed to create incentives for doctors to serve in rural areas.
Advocate Ahmed argued that without strong policy measures, the situation will only worsen, disproportionately affecting the poor and marginalized populations of J&K and Ladakh.
Public Reaction and Growing Pressure on Government
The High Court’s strong stand has intensified public pressure on the J&K and Ladakh administrations to take immediate action. Various healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and political commentators have welcomed the judicial intervention, stating that:
• The shortage of doctors in rural areas is a long-standing issue that has been ignored for too long.
• The over-bridge at GMC Jammu is not just a construction project but a necessity for efficient emergency care.
• The bureaucratic delays in healthcare projects endanger lives and reflect systemic negligence.
A senior doctor at GMC Jammu, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated:
“This over-bridge is critical for quick patient transfers between departments. Every second counts in emergencies, and the delay in this project is costing lives.”
What Happens Next?
With the court setting April 30, 2025, as the next hearing date, all eyes are now on whether:
• The ATR on the shortage of doctors will provide a concrete roadmap for improving rural healthcare.
• The Chief Engineer of Public Works (R&B) Department will submit the DPR or risk being summoned in person.
• The government finally prioritizes healthcare infrastructure, both in urban and rural areas.
The case marks a crucial test for healthcare governance in J&K and Ladakh, and its outcome could set a precedent for future healthcare policy decisions.
