Jammu: On the fateful night of August 14, when the nation was preparing to celebrate the 79th Independence Day, Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu stood as a beacon of hope for dozens of victims of the devastating Kishtwar tragedy.
As 66 critically injured patients were rushed in ambulances to the GMC emergency unit, the medical staff sprang into action with clockwork precision. Within moments, porters and helpers moved patients to the triage area where doctors, nurses, and paramedics began life-saving interventions. Those in critical condition were placed on ventilators, emergency surgeries were initiated without delay, and others with injuries were provided swift and appropriate treatment.
In just one night, the GMC team performed around 25 major surgeries, saving precious lives. Not a single patient had to be referred to another institute, a feat that highlighted the hospital’s unmatched preparedness and medical expertise. Departments including Orthopaedics, Surgery, Anesthesia, Neurosurgery, ENT, Dental, Ophthalmology, Medicine, and Lab Services worked in unison, supported by the blood bank and engineering staff who maintained uninterrupted services despite incessant rains.
Beyond medical care, GMC staff also extended emotional support to traumatized survivors and their families. Nursing staff went beyond their professional roles, comforting children, cleaning victims covered in mud and debris, feeding those unable to eat, and providing care like family members.
The extraordinary teamwork was guided and supervised by senior professors, Heads of Departments, and the GMC administration. Their collective efforts ensured that every patient received timely treatment, with no loss of life due to negligence.
The efforts of GMC Jammu have drawn wide appreciation from across society, with even premier institutes like PGI Chandigarh acknowledging the hospital’s outstanding handling of the crisis. The Director of PGI personally lauded the GMC Principal and the team for their remarkable service.
From doctors and nurses to technicians, engineers, sanitation, and security staff—GMC Jammu has once again proven its stature as the region’s frontline health institution, setting an inspiring example of professionalism, compassion, and dedication.
