GMC strengthened after 17 die of ‘unknown’ disease in J&K’s Rajouri

Rajouri: Following the death of 17 people in Budhal village, Kotranka Sub Division, due to an unspecified ailment, Rajouri’s Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu and Kashmir is being reinforced.

Five child experts and five anesthesia specialists have been sent to GMC Rajouri by the government’s health department to address the issue.

Dr. AS Bhatia, the principal of GMC Rajouri, affirmed that every kind of cutting-edge technology is available to manage any emergency.

During the evacuation of Budhal village, we encountered a staffing deficit.

After I asked the Secretary of Health, he persuaded the GMC Principal to issue an order for the deputation of five pediatricians and five anesthesiologists in less than 30 minutes. They will bolster our current workforce. Since December 7th, we have been dealing with this situation for 40 days,” said Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, principal of MC Rajouri.

The hospital also has advanced care ambulances available. Six Budhal village patients are now receiving treatment at GMC Hospital Rajouri and are making a full recovery.

The whole Budhal region has been designated as a containment zone, and MLA Budhal Javaid Iqbal has urged the Union government to provide air ambulances so that patients may be airlifted in case of an emergency.

The symptoms of the unidentified sickness, which have been documented in Budhal village, include fever, vomiting, sweating, dehydration, and intermittent unconsciousness.

No viral or bacterial illnesses have been found despite preliminary testing.

All departments are on high alert and working around the clock to deal with the issue of mysterious illnesses and ailments that the government is still unaware of.

Javaid Iqbal, a Budhal MLA, stated, “I have seen children suffer and die in front of me. In order to transfer critically ill patients for more sophisticated care, I urge the government to set up air ambulances in Rajouri or Jammu. In the event that the illness spreads and causes a larger epidemic, plans should also be developed at AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh.

Additionally, GMC Rajouri has to be reinforced, and additional employees should be sent here to handle any emergencies. Patients were flown from here to Jammu yesterday. However, they are receiving treatment at SMGS Hospital and GMC Jammu since they were unable to be moved to PGIMER Chandigarh owing to a shortage of assistance.”