GMC Jammu played a crucial role in treating 66 critically injured victims from the Kishtwar tragedy, showcasing exceptional medical care and compassion during a time of crisis.
Jammu: As the nation prepared to celebrate the 79th Independence Day, the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu faced a different challenge: the urgent care of victims from the devastating Kishtwar cloudburst. On the night of August 14, the hospital’s emergency wing transformed into a hub of compassion, skill, and unwavering dedication.
In total, GMC Jammu received 66 critically injured individuals from the calamity. Demonstrating remarkable medical precision, the hospital’s team performed nearly 25 major surgeries overnight, effectively saving numerous lives. Medical professionals swiftly stabilized patients with life-threatening injuries while providing meticulous care to those with less severe wounds.
The response was not solely medical; it was profoundly human. Nursing staff went above and beyond their duties, offering care that resembled that of mothers, sisters, and friends to patients grappling with shock, grief, and pain. They cleaned mud-caked bodies, dressed wounds, provided fresh clothing, and fed injured children who had lost their loved ones, becoming a vital source of comfort and strength during a harrowing time.
The extensive operation was overseen by senior professors, department heads, and GMC administration. Core departments such as Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia, and Surgery were effectively supported by Neurosurgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dental, Medicine, Blood Bank, and Lab Services. Even the engineering teams—mechanical, electrical, and civil—worked diligently to ensure uninterrupted services despite the heavy rains. The coordination among all teams was seamless, allowing for no lapses in care.
Notably, GMC Jammu did not need to refer any patients outside the region for higher medical care, reinforcing its status as the healthcare backbone of Jammu. The institution’s ability to manage such a mass medical crisis has been widely recognized.
The professionalism exhibited by GMC Jammu has garnered praise from across the country. The Director of PGI Chandigarh personally commended the Principal of GMC Jammu for the hospital’s outstanding performance in managing the crisis. This institution has previously demonstrated its capabilities during Operation Sindoor, mass accidents, and other emergencies, but this latest effort has further solidified its reputation as the leading medical institute in the region.
Families of the victims have expressed their gratitude for the compassion and efficiency displayed by the staff. One relative shared, “We had lost hope when we saw the destruction, but GMC doctors and nurses became our strength. They not only treated the wounds but also consoled us like family.”
Source: Original article