SRINAGAR, Apr 29: The Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla is facing significant challenges in its dental department due to a shortage of specialists. The Department of Dentistry is currently operating without two crucial dental surgeons—an orthodontist and a maxillofacial surgeon—following the transfer of the specialists who previously filled these roles.
This shortage has severely impacted patient care, forcing many to travel to the Government Dental College (GDC) Srinagar for treatment. Officials at GMC Baramulla have written to the state government, urging them to take action and address the shortfall of specialists.
According to reports, the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) Centre at GMC Baramulla refers approximately 50 to 75 patients per month to GDC Srinagar for orthodontic treatments. These procedures, officials said, could be provided at GMC Baramulla if the necessary specialists were available. GDC Srinagar, being the only specialized center for such treatments in Kashmir, is already overwhelmed with a growing backlog, causing delays in care.
“If the department had the required specialists, these patients would no longer need to travel to Srinagar, and we could provide care right here,” an official noted.
In addition to the added travel burden, many patients must make up to 50 trips to Srinagar to complete their treatment, which places a significant financial and logistical strain on families, especially those living in rural areas.
To ease the situation, GMC Baramulla officials have requested the J&K Government to urgently fill the two vacant posts in the Department of Dentistry. They have also proposed assigning an MDS orthodontist, currently stationed at the CHC Gurez, to GMC Baramulla to better utilize the doctor’s expertise for patient care.
Another concern raised by hospital authorities is the lack of a Maxillofacial Surgeon. The department had previously benefited from the services of a specialist, but since the transfer, a senior resident has temporarily taken over maxillofacial cases. However, this arrangement is only short-term, as the resident’s tenure is expected to end soon, leading to further referrals to Srinagar and additional hardship for patients.
GMC Baramulla authorities are urging the government to address these critical shortages to ensure comprehensive dental care for patients in North Kashmir.
