Srinagar, September 19, 2025 – Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today engaged in a comprehensive discussion with Dr. V.K. Paul, Member of NITI Aayog, focusing on the rollout of Tele-ICU facilities across the newly established Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting underscores the UT administration’s push towards integrating advanced telemedicine to bolster critical care services, particularly in remote and underserved regions.The deliberations centered on adopting a hub-and-spoke model for Tele-ICUs, where the new GMCs would function as spokes connected to a central hub and command center within J&K.
This setup aims to facilitate 24×7 critical care monitoring and seamless expert consultations, enhancing patient outcomes through real-time remote oversight by specialists. Dr. Paul, who oversees the Health and Nutrition vertical at NITI Aayog, commended J&K’s proactive embrace of digital health innovations, including Tele-ICUs, Telemedicine, and Tele-Consultation, and provided expert insights on implementation strategies. Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, outlined the department’s proposal to establish at least a 10-bedded Tele-ICU in each of the new GMCs, detailing the groundwork already undertaken and a forward-looking roadmap for execution. Principals from various GMCs also shared their views on the benefits, practical applications, and optimal rollout tactics, contributing to a collaborative framework for success.
Expressing appreciation for Dr. Paul’s guidance, Chief Secretary Dulloo reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to innovative healthcare reforms. He proposed dispatching an expert team from J&K to premier national healthcare institutions to benchmark Tele-ICU operations and command centers, ensuring tailored adaptations for local needs. Dr. Paul emphasized evaluating each hospital’s infrastructure and requirements prior to deployment, advocating for a project-driven approach that blends central and state funding with NGO partnerships and interstate best practices. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to overhaul J&K’s healthcare sector, including augmenting tertiary care and building a cadre of skilled specialists for long-term sustainability. By leveraging Tele-ICUs, the UT aims to bridge gaps in critical care access, marking a transformative step towards equitable and technology-driven health services.
