Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 17: The authorities at the newly established Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla are facing criticism for their alleged failure to provide accommodation and necessary student transport, leaving students in a state of distress and financial burden.
The lack of college accommodation, the students said, has forced them to seek rented accommodations near the college, exacerbating their hardships.
Expressing their grievances, students highlighted the challenges they face due to the absence of suitable accommodation and transport facilities. “There are students who come from Srinagar daily on their own; the lack of accommodation is already there, but the non-availability of transport is exposing us to more hardships,” shared one of the aggrieved students.
Although the college administration has procured two vehicles for student transport, they remain unused for reasons unknown to the students. “The college administration acts as if it is not a problem at all; they hardly take note of the issues faced by the students,” lamented another student.
Presently, the accommodation facility at GMC Baramulla caters to only 197 out of the total 400 enrolled students. Consequently, a significant number of students from different parts of J&K, as well as outside the Union Territory, are left to fend for themselves.
Furthermore, the absence of specialist doctors at GMC Baramulla has raised concerns among patients, especially after 2 PM. The locals allege that patients not only experience delays in receiving medical care but also witness the doctors disappearing in the afternoon. According to locals, the lack of attention from concerned authorities regarding this matter has severely impacted patient care.
Principal GMC Baramulla, Dr Ruby Reshi, told Excelsior that there is no shortage of accommodation and those who need accommodation have been provided with the same. However, she said that the hospital does not have accommodation arrangements for interns. “That part has already been taken up with the department,” she said, adding that the mess, which was the main issue, has been started to facilitate the stay of the students.
On transportation, she said that the buses arrived around Eid and will be put to use in the next few days after the completion of the required formalities. “As of now, we are carrying out the necessary formalities, finalizing the routes; they shall ply soon,” she said.
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