Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara has significantly expanded its oncology services, establishing a new daycare ward aimed at providing crucial cancer treatment closer to patients in north Kashmir. This development marks a significant step in making specialized cancer care more accessible to residents of Handwara, Kupwara, and surrounding areas, reducing their need to travel long distances for treatment.
Expanded Cancer Treatment Facilities at GMC Handwara
The newly established daycare ward at GMC Handwara offers a range of services, including chemotherapy, blood transfusions, pain management, and palliative care. According to Assistant Professor Dr. Sajad, the Department of Radiation Oncology, established approximately three years ago, was created with the specific goal of bringing specialized oncology services to the region. The expansion with the daycare facility is intended to alleviate the difficulties faced by cancer patients who previously had to travel to Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital or SKIMS Soura for treatment. Dr. Sajad highlighted that cancer treatment is often a prolonged process, and the local availability of these services provides considerable relief and convenience to patients and their families. Beyond chemotherapy and blood transfusions, the department is also providing comprehensive outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services, thereby improving access to vital cancer care within the north Kashmir region.
Comprehensive Care for Various Cancers
The Department of Radiation Oncology at GMC Handwara is currently treating patients with a variety of cancers, including esophageal, stomach, colon, and lung cancers, ensuring that they receive comprehensive and appropriate care. Head of Department Professor Dr. Fir Afroz appealed to the public to utilize this local facility, emphasizing that all essential cancer treatment and supportive care services are now available at the center. She encouraged cancer patients to seek treatment locally to benefit from the specialized healthcare services being provided at GMC Handwara, making advanced medical support more attainable for the community.
GMC Handwara was established in 2023 and is affiliated with the University of Kashmir, recognized by the National Medical Commission. The hospital associated with the college is recognized as one of the largest in the Kupwara district. The medical college offers 100 MBBS seats annually and was allotted 24 Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats across various departments in September 2025. The development of cancer care services at GMC Handwara aligns with a broader progress in Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare sector, characterized by the establishment of numerous high-quality institutions in recent years. The initial approval for the establishment of GMC Handwara came in 2019, with an estimated cost of ₹325 crore under a centrally sponsored scheme. The foundation stone was laid in October 2021, and the National Medical Commission granted the Letter of Permission in March 2023, enabling the commencement of the first MBBS batch in the 2023 academic session. Construction and full operationalization faced some delays but are progressing, with revised targets extending into 2026–2027.
The Chenab Times News Desk