Handwara, May 31: The Orthopaedic Department, established only few years back at Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara has rapidly emerged as a major centre for trauma care, spine surgeries and joint replacement procedures, with the result the department witnesses heavy rush of patients from different parts of Kashmir on regular basis.
The centre has gone through significant growth over the past few years and provides now round-the-clock trauma care besides handling general orthopaedics, complex fracture management, spine surgeries, rehabilitation services and joint replacement procedures. In one of the major achievements, the department recently performed its first Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgery on an 19-year-old girl who was suffering from an untreated hip dislocation for the past 12 months.
Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Head of the Department (HOD) Professor Dr Javid Ahmad Bhat said that the successful surgery reflected the growing capabilities of GMC Handwara in advanced orthopaedic care. “Infact the department has been established only few years ago but we are committed to deliver quality care that matches national standards and will continue to serve the people with dedication and excellence,” he added.
Dr Javid said that the surgery would have cost the patient more than Rs 3 lakh in a private hospital but was successfully performed at Associated District Hospital GMC Handwara under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Dr Javid also credited Principal GMC Handwara Professor Khurshid Ahmad Wani for extending full support in making the department to achieve the significant growth over the past few years. An attendant from the Bedrehar area of Handwara who identified himself as Bashir Ahmad, said that five years ago his younger brother sustained serious leg injuries in an accident near their village and was referred to Bone and Joint Hospital Srinagar. He said the family had to wait for more than twenty days before the surgery was performed. “We stayed at the hospital for over two months which placed a huge financial burden on our family,” he said.
Bashir Ahmad whose wife is currently admitted to GMC Handwara said that she required a critical orthopaedic surgery which was successfully performed after just one day of waiting. Comparing the experience with their earlier ordeal at Bone and Joint Hospital Srinagar, he said the difference was remarkable. “We are fortunate to have a facility like GMC Handwara at our doorstep. Poor who would otherwise have to travel to Srinagar for treatment are now receiving quality healthcare closer to home,” he added.
Assistant Professor Orthopaedics Nisar Ahmad said that hip and knee replacement surgeries along with spine procedures including TLIF surgeries were being routinely conducted at the department. “Improved infrastructure, dedicated staff and patient-centric care have significantly reduced referrals to Srinagar hospitals over the last two to three years,” he added.
