JAMMU, FEBRUARY 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of strengthening emergency services and improving healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in rural areas, during his address at the inaugural JK MediCon-2025, the first-ever National Medical Conference-cum-Workshop at Government Medical College Jammu.
The event, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council in collaboration with the Student Research Development Council , brought together medical professionals, faculty, and students to discuss pressing medical issues and emerging trends. In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for enhancing the emergency handling capabilities and capacities at Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) to alleviate the pressure on major hospitals in Jammu and Srinagar.
“We must improve the emergency care infrastructure at new GMCs to reduce the burden on GMC Jammu and GMC Srinagar. Additionally, it is crucial that doctors serve not only in urban centres but also in rural areas, where healthcare access is often inadequate,” stated the Chief Minister.
Omar Abdullah expressed his commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility throughout Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledging that the excessive pressure on GMC Jammu’s emergency services is partly due to subpar healthcare facilities in peripheral areas. “The solution lies not just in expanding infrastructure in the cities but by strengthening facilities in rural and peripheral areas,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of MediCon-2025 in sparking meaningful discussions on medical advancements and ethical issues. He stressed the significance of technological innovations such as robotic surgery and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in medicine while acknowledging concerns about the ethical dimensions of these advancements. “While AI and robotic surgery hold potential, it is crucial to maintain the human touch in healthcare. Machines may aid in some tasks, but they cannot replace the irreplaceable role of doctors who offer hope and compassion to patients in their most vulnerable moments,” he remarked.
In his address, Omar Abdullah raised pertinent questions about the ethical challenges in modern medicine, particularly regarding the intersection of healthcare and profit-driven motives. “Where do we draw the ethical line in medicine? Should hospitals be run as profit-making enterprises, or should patient care always be the priority?” he asked.
The Chief Minister also praised the dedication of doctors, recognising their lifelong commitment to learning and evolving with new techniques and medical advancements. “You are always adapting to new treatments, but no machine can replace the human connection that is so vital when delivering a diagnosis or prognosis,” he stated.
Speaking on the growth and future plans for GMC Jammu, the Chief Minister expressed his support for the college’s expansion, saying, “I look forward to contributing to the future development of GMC Jammu. We will ensure at least one of the proposed ideas is implemented.”
In conclusion, Omar Abdullah commended the significance of MediCon-2025, noting that it is the first of its kind in J&K and possibly the country, where a state or regional medical council has organised such an event. “This conference brings together the brightest minds to share ideas, best practices, and research advances while addressing the challenges and future of medicine,” he said.
Earlier, Principal GMC Jammu presented a detailed overview of the college’s growth and future plans, further reinforcing the commitment to advancing healthcare in the region.