Jammu, April 17:
In a stinging critique of the Union Territory’s healthcare stagnation, Dr. Varinder Sharma, Co-convener of the BJP Health Cell, has issued a high-stakes appeal to the Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor. His message is clear: the era of “promises on paper” must end, and the era of world-class corporate healthcare must begin in every district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The “Tertiary Trauma”: Why Residents Are Still Fleeing J&K for Care
For over two decades, the narrative in J&K has been one of anticipation. Residents have been told that national giants like Apollo, Medanta, and Fortis are “just around the corner.” Yet, the reality on the ground remains unchanged.
“The promises have multiplied; the hospitals have not,” Dr. Sharma stated during a press briefing on Thursday. He highlighted the ongoing crisis where families are forced to travel to Punjab or Delhi for advanced medical procedures, calling it a “failure of both vision and political will.”
Stalled “Medicities”: Miran Sahib and Pampore
Dr. Sharma pointed to a glaring symbol of systemic inertia: the designated Medicity projects at Miran Sahib (Jammu) and Pampore (Kashmir). Despite land being earmarked, these sites remain underutilized.
“The government must go beyond offering plots. It must handhold investors, resolve clearance bottlenecks, and build a pipeline of bankable projects.”
He argued that simply “allotting land” is insufficient. To break the deadlock, the administration must provide:
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Subsidized land rates
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Low-interest institutional credit
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Proactive regulatory facilitation
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Dedicated healthcare investment desks within the Industries Department
A Hospital for Every District
Moving beyond the twin capitals, Dr. Sharma made a landmark demand: Every district in J&K deserves at least one large, well-equipped private hospital. He proposed that the same incentives being discussed for Jammu and Srinagar should be replicated at the district level. This would not only decentralize healthcare but also empower local doctors and entrepreneurs to build multi-specialty facilities closer to home.
Stemming the “Brain Drain”
The human cost of this infrastructure gap is the migration of J&K’s brightest minds. With medical colleges now operational in almost every district, hundreds of young doctors are graduating annually.
The Crisis:
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Limited Government Vacancies: The public sector cannot absorb the influx of new graduates.
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Underemployment: Qualified professionals are left without high-tech platforms to practice their specialties.
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Migration: Without a vibrant private ecosystem, J&K’s medical talent will continue to leave for greener pastures.
The Roadmap Forward
Dr. Sharma concluded by calling for measurable targets and a “visible seriousness of purpose” at upcoming investor summits. He urged the CM and LG to treat healthcare infrastructure not just as a service, but as a top-tier governance priority that determines the future of the Union Territory.
