Jammu: While the nation was preparing to celebrate the 79th Independence Day, the Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu was bracing itself for a different challenge—receiving and treating victims of the devastating Kishtwar tragedy.
On the night of August 14, as ambulance sirens pierced the silence, GMC’s emergency wing turned into a war room of compassion, skill, and dedication. The hospital received 66 critically injured victims of the calamity. In an extraordinary display of medical precision, the GMC team conducted nearly 25 major surgeries overnight, saving precious lives. From ventilator support to complex surgeries, every decision was taken in split seconds, leaving no room for error. Patients with life-threatening injuries were immediately stabilized, while those with superficial wounds were treated with utmost care.
The effort was not just medical—it was deeply human. Nursing staff turned into caregivers beyond their duty, acting as mothers, sisters, and friends for patients who were in shock, grief, and pain. From cleaning mud-caked bodies to dressing wounds, giving fresh clothes, and feeding injured children who had lost their loved ones, the staff became a source of comfort and strength.
The massive operation was supervised and guided by senior professors, Heads of Departments, and the GMC administration. Core departments like Orthopaedics, Anesthesia, and Surgery were supported ably by Neurosurgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dental, Medicine, Blood Bank, and Lab Services. Even the engineering wings—mechanical, electrical, and civil—worked tirelessly to ensure uninterrupted services despite heavy rains. The coordination was clockwork, leaving no scope for lapses.
What stands out is that not a single patient had to be referred outside Jammu for higher medical care. GMC Jammu stood tall as the region’s healthcare backbone, proving once again its capacity to handle mass medical crises.
The professionalism of GMC Jammu has drawn appreciation from across the country. The Director of PGI Chandigarh personally applauded Principal GMC Jammu for the hospital’s spectacular performance in managing the crisis. The institution had earlier proven its mettle during Operation Sindoor, mass accidents, and other emergencies, but this latest effort has further cemented its role as the foremost medical institute of the region.
Families of victims have openly praised the compassion and efficiency of the staff. “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,” said one relative.
