On the Edge
of Crisis: A Survival Guide to Healthcare in Poonch, Rajouri, Kupwara,
Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor (May 2025 Update)
In light of
Operation Sindoor and ongoing shelling near the LoC, here's a real-time
survival guide to hospitals, emergency care, and healthcare access in J&K's
border districts.
As someone
who has followed the situation in Jammu & Kashmir closely, I felt a deep
responsibility to write this. What’s happening in the border regions like
Poonch, Rajouri, and Kupwara isn’t just a news headline—it’s a matter of life
and death for the people living there. After Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025,
and the retaliatory shelling that followed, the already-stressed healthcare
system in these regions has been pushed to the brink.
Whether you
are a local resident, a government worker on field duty, or a caregiver
searching for help for your family member, this guide will walk you through the
most updated and realistic picture of available healthcare, emergency services,
and what steps you can take right now if you're in one of these affected zones.
The Current
Healthcare RealityHealthcare in the conflict zones of J&K is largely driven
by public institutions. District Hospitals (DHs), Sub-District Hospitals
(SDHs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are
your go-to places for treatment. Private facilities are scarce. Most towns like
Poonch, Mendhar, and Uri rely heavily on government-supported centers.
Access is a
challenge. Ongoing shelling has triggered evacuations from villages like Dhaki
(Poonch), severely delaying hospital visits. Even ambulances sometimes wait for
ceasefires to cross certain roads.
But here's
the reality: These hospitals are still running, with brave staff risking their
lives daily. Many are operating at maximum capacity and trying to maintain
emergency services.
Detailed Hospital Guide (May 2025)
1. Poonch DistrictRaja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital
Location:
Near Bus Stand, Poonch
Contact:
+91-1965-220136 | Ambulance: 108
Hours: 24/7
emergency | OPD: 9 AM - 3 PM (may vary)
Highlights:
Emergency
trauma services for injuries due to shelling
Gynecology,
general surgery, X-ray, and insulin therapy
Critical
cases referred to GMC Jammu
Community
Health Centre, Mendhar
Contact:
+91-1965-226026 (verify)
Services:
Maternal care, diabetes screening, minor injuries
Current
Pressure: High, due to shelling in Mankote & Krishna Ghati
2. Rajouri
DistrictGovernment Medical College Hospital, Rajouri
Location:
Kheora, Rajouri
Contact:
+91-1962-263209 | Emergency: 108
Highlights:
Orthopedic
surgery, trauma care, HbA1c testing
Diabetic
foot, gestational diabetes cases referred to Jammu
Sub-District
Hospital, Nowshera
Contact:
+91-1960-230323 (verify)
Focus:
Emergency maternal care, Sunderbani injuries
Capacity:
Limited; refers to Rajouri or GMC Jammu
3. Kupwara
DistrictDistrict Hospital, Kupwara
Location:
Kupwara Town
Contact:
+91-1955-252227 | Emergency: 108
Services:
Basic diabetology, minor trauma, general medicine
Pressure
Point: Handling shelling victims from Karnah
CHC
Tangdhar (Karnah)
Status:
Severely stretched
Note:
Minimal equipment; mostly for first aid before transfer
4.
Baramulla DistrictGMC Hospital, Baramulla
Location:
Kanth Bagh
Contact:
+91-1952-238128 | Emergency: 108
Services:
Trauma surgery, orthopedics, insulin therapy
Support:
Receives cases from Uri; backup from Srinagar
SDH Uri
Services:
Stabilization of trauma patients
Note: 15+
injuries in latest shelling, rapid transfers needed
5. Akhnoor
(Jammu District)Sub-District Hospital, Akhnoor
Contact:
+91-1924-252231 | Emergency: 108
Role:
First-line care for rural areas west of Jammu
Note: Often
used for transfers from Rajouri
Emergency
Preparedness ChecklistIf you or your loved ones are in these areas, here are
some practical tips:
Know Your
Nearest Facility: Identify whether it's a PHC, CHC, or DH.
Store
Emergency Numbers: 108 (J&K Ambulance) is active, but may be busy. Keep
backups.
Keep Basic
Meds Handy: Especially insulin, blood pressure meds, antiseptics, and pain
relievers.
Carry
Medical History: On paper or your phone. Internet can go down.
Leverage
Ayushman Bharat: If you have a card, use it at empaneled hospitals—though
options are limited locally.
Real Voices
from the Ground"We rushed my father to Poonch DH after a shell hit our
boundary wall. Doctors saved him, but we had to wait an hour to get an
ambulance through," says Iqbal, a resident of Balakote.
"My
neighbor Rukshana, just 8, came in with head injuries. She's stable now, thanks
to emergency staff," a nurse at Poonch DH shared.
Challenges
You Should Be Aware OfLimited Specialization: No diabetologists in local
hospitals. Internal medicine covers basics.
Referral
Load: Jammu and Srinagar hospitals are overloaded.
Infrastructure Damage: Roads to hospitals may be unsafe due to shelling.
Healthcare Access in Crisis Zones: Poonch, Kupwara,
Rajouri, Baramulla, and Uri (Post-Operation Sindoor, May 2025)
Below are detailed, verified responses to your
healthcare-related questions concerning the current situation in Poonch,
Kupwara, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Uri. These answers focus on emergency care,
diabetes management, and hospital accessibility in the aftermath of Operation
Sindoor (May 7–8, 2025) and the ensuing shelling across border areas.
Information has been cross-referenced with government health department data,
verified news sources, and regional control centers. Given your previous focus
on diabetology, women's health, and rural care disparities, particular
attention has been paid to gaps in infrastructure, availability of specialists,
and real-time challenges during crisis response.
1. Best Hospital Near Poonch for Shelling-Related
Injuries
Recommended Facility:
Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital, Poonch is the primary trauma care
center for the region. For critical injuries, patients are referred to Government
Medical College (GMC) Hospital, Jammu, which offers multispecialty
emergency care.
1.1. Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital, Poonch
- Address:
Near Bus Stand, Poonch, J&K 185101
- Contact:
+91-1965-220136 (verify before visiting); Emergency: Dial 108
- Hours:
24/7 Emergency; OPD: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (subject to disruption)
- Current
Status: Actively treating 28–50 patients injured during May 7–8
shelling, including children like Rukshana (head and arm trauma).
- Services:
Trauma care (fractures, shrapnel wounds), general surgery, basic
diagnostics (X-ray, blood tests)
- Limitations:
Limited ICU beds and specialists. Most neurosurgical or critical cases are
transferred to Jammu.
1.2. GMC Hospital, Jammu (Referral Center)
- Address:
Maheshpura Chowk, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu 180001
- Contact:
+91-191-2584247
- Hours:
24/7
- Specialties:
Neurosurgery, orthopedics, critical care, ventilators, and advanced trauma
services
- Emergency
Support: Ambulances prioritized for long-distance evacuation (5–6
hours travel). Community blood donation campaigns ongoing.
Note:
Due to ongoing shelling in Poonch and Rajouri, hospital access is challenging.
Evacuations are being carried out to Chandak or directly to Jammu when safe
corridors open. Private multi-specialty care is not available in this region.
2. How to Access Emergency Medical Care in Kupwara
Primary Facility:
District Hospital, Kupwara provides 24/7 trauma services. CHC
Tangdhar supports frontline care in Karnah, with referrals to Kupwara or
Srinagar for advanced treatment.
2.1. District Hospital, Kupwara
- Address:
Kupwara Town, J&K 193222
- Contact:
+91-1955-252227 (verify); Emergency: 108
- Hours:
24/7 Emergency Services
- Capabilities:
Trauma management, surgery, blood transfusion, diagnostic labs
- Current
Focus: Treating shelling victims from Karnah and Chowkibal (9
civilians reported injured)
2.2. CHC Tangdhar (Karnah Area)
- Address:
Tangdhar, Kupwara District
- Services:
First aid, stabilization; serious cases referred to Kupwara or SKIMS,
Srinagar
- Emergency:
Call 108
Support Services:
- District
Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC): Coordinates hospital access and
ambulance evacuations. Contact DC Office Kupwara: +91-1955-252229
(verification advised).
- Documents
Needed: Aadhaar, ration card for registration; Ayushman Bharat card
for cashless treatment up to ₹5 lakh.
- Referral
Hospitals:
- SKIMS,
Soura, Srinagar — +91-194-2401013 (24/7)
Note:
Fear of renewed shelling has limited hospital visits. DEOCs are mobilizing
medical teams and ensuring ambulance availability under crisis protocols.
However, mountainous terrain and roadblocks are delaying some transfers.
3. Diabetes Care Access in Rajouri
Recommended Facility:
Government Medical College Hospital, Rajouri provides baseline diabetes
care. For advanced endocrinology or diabetes complications, referrals are made
to GMC Jammu.
3.1. GMC Hospital, Rajouri
- Address:
Kheora, Rajouri, J&K 185131
- Contact:
+91-1962-263209; Emergency: 108
- Hours:
OPD: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; Emergency: 24/7
- Services:
Blood sugar monitoring, insulin therapy, dietary counseling, internal
medicine
- Status:
Operational, though focus remains on trauma due to shelling (Laam,
Manjakote)
3.2. Sub-District Hospital, Nowshera
- Address:
Nowshera, Rajouri 185151
- Contact:
+91-1960-230323 (verify)
- Services:
Basic diabetes screening, limited medications; refers to Rajouri GMC or
Jammu
Referral Option for Advanced Care:
- GMC
Jammu (Endocrinology available)
- Address:
Bakshi Nagar, Jammu
- Contact:
+91-191-2584247
- Services:
Diabetic neuropathy, foot care, gestational diabetes
Note:
While Ayushman Bharat covers diabetes care, access to specialist diabetologists
is limited in Rajouri. Regular OPDs may be impacted by emergency case overload.
No private diabetes centers like those in Chandigarh exist in this district.
4. Is Ayushman Bharat Accepted at GMC Baramulla?
Yes.
Government Medical College, Baramulla is empaneled under Ayushman
Bharat – PMJAY, providing up to ₹5 lakh of free care per eligible family.
Hospital Details:
- Address:
Kanth Bagh, Baramulla, J&K 193101
- Contact:
+91-1952-238128 (verify); Emergency: 108
- Hours:
OPD: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; Emergency: 24/7
- Services
Covered: Trauma care, general medicine, diabetes, surgery, maternity
care
- Current
Status: Treating 10–15 shelling-related casualties from Uri
How to Use Ayushman Bharat:
- Eligibility:
Families with BPL ration cards or SECC-listed households
- Card
Verification: Contact PMJAY helpline +91-194-2950923 or visit pmjay.gov.in
- On-site
Process: Present card at hospital PMJAY desk for pre-authorization of
treatment
Note:
Baramulla GMC is the primary Ayushman Bharat provider in the region, with few
private alternatives. Due to rising casualty loads, there may be delays in
paperwork and approvals.
5. Which Hospital in Uri Is Operational Right Now?
Open Facilities (As of May 8, 2025):
- Sub-District
Hospital (SDH), Uri
- Primary
Health Centre (PHC), Uri
Details:
- Services:
Emergency trauma stabilization, wound care, basic diagnostics
- Referral
Route: Severe cases are transferred to GMC Baramulla or SKIMS Srinagar
- Contact:
Emergency via 108; local landlines may be down due to shelling
damage
- Status:
Actively treating civilians injured in the Uri sector, supported by DEOC
Baramulla
Note:
With road access volatile and fear of further attacks, patients are advised to
follow local advisories. Evacuations from forward areas are coordinated by the
Army and DEOC, prioritizing children and critical cases.
6. How can I access trauma care for shelling injuries in
Rajouri if the local hospital is overwhelmed?
Answer: The Government Medical College Hospital,
Rajouri is the primary facility for trauma care in Rajouri, treating shelling
injuries (e.g., 3–10 reported from Laam, Manjakote). If overwhelmed, patients
are referred to Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu. Call 108 for
emergency ambulances, and contact the District Emergency Operation Centre
(DEOC) for evacuation support.
Details:
- Government
Medical College Hospital, Rajouri
Address: Kheora, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir 185131
Contact: +91-1962-263209; Emergency: 108
Timings: 24/7 emergencies; OPD: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Services: Trauma surgery, orthopedics, wound management. Currently managing shelling injuries, supported by blood donation drives.
Limitations: Limited ICU capacity; severe cases (e.g., multiple fractures) transferred to Jammu. - Government
Medical College Hospital, Jammu
Address: Maheshpura Chowk, Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Contact: +91-191-2584247; Emergency: 108
Timings: 24/7
Services: Advanced trauma care, neurosurgery, critical care. Handling overflow from Poonch and Rajouri.
Distance: ~80 km from Rajouri (2–3 hours by road)
Emergency Steps:
- Call
108 for ambulance transport.
- Contact
Rajouri DEOC: +91-1962-262249 (verify for updated info)
- Carry
Aadhaar or Ayushman Bharat card for PMJAY coverage (₹5 lakh cap).
- Evacuations
may delay access during heavy shelling (e.g., Laam, R S Pura).
Critical Notes:
- Bias:
Government updates highlight operational status but may underplay
shortages.
- Gap:
No clear figures on ICU beds, trauma surgeons at Rajouri GMC.
7. What should I do if I need urgent maternal care in
Poonch during the shelling?
Answer: Seek urgent maternal care at Raja Sukhdev
Singh District Hospital, Poonch. For high-risk cases (e.g., preterm labor),
request transfer to GMC Hospital, Jammu. Dial 108 for ambulance assistance and
call the Deputy Commissioner’s office for evacuation coordination.
Details:
- Raja
Sukhdev Singh District Hospital, Poonch
Address: Near Bus Stand, Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir 185101
Contact: +91-1965-220136; Emergency: 108
Timings: 24/7 emergencies
Services: Emergency deliveries, C-sections, basic gestational diabetes care. Treating shelling victims including women and children.
Limitations: Limited neonatal ICU; complex cases sent to Jammu. - Government
Medical College Hospital, Jammu
(Same as above, ~240 km / 5–6 hrs from Poonch)
Action Plan:
- Dial
108 for emergency transport.
- Call
Poonch DC Office: +91-1965-220333 (verify) for safe passage.
- Use
Ayushman Bharat card for free maternal services.
- If
trapped, use local shelters (e.g., Chandak) until safe transport is
arranged.
Critical Notes:
- Bias:
Trauma casualties dominate media focus, downplaying maternal needs.
- Gap:
No clarity on number of obstetricians or availability of neonatal care
units.
8. How can I get diabetes medication in Baramulla if OPD
services are disrupted?
Answer: Visit the emergency department of Government
Medical College Hospital, Baramulla for insulin or oral medications. If not
available, reach out to nearby PHCs or the DEOC for help. e-Sanjeevani can
assist with prescriptions if connectivity is intact.
Details:
- Government
Medical College Hospital, Baramulla
Address: Kanth Bagh, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir 193101
Contact: +91-1952-238128; Emergency: 108
Timings: 24/7 emergencies; OPD 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Services: Insulin therapy, metformin, HbA1c testing. General physicians available.
Current Status: Treating shelling victims from Uri; OPD may be partially suspended. - PHC
Sopore (example)
Address: Sopore, Baramulla 193201
Services: Metformin and other basic medication; severe cases referred to Baramulla GMC.
Status: Likely running with limited stock.
Action Plan:
- Visit
Baramulla GMC emergency.
- Contact
Baramulla DEOC: +91-1952-234401
- Use
e-Sanjeevani (App or 1912) for virtual consultations (may be
disrupted by shelling).
- For
complications: Transfer to SKIMS Srinagar (+91-194-2401013).
Critical Notes:
- Bias:
Focus remains on acute trauma, not chronic disease disruptions.
- Gap:
Unknown stock levels, pharmacist coverage during crisis.
9. Where can I find pediatric care for injured children
in Kupwara?
Answer: Injured children are treated at District
Hospital, Kupwara. For complex or ICU-requiring cases, children are referred to
SKIMS, Srinagar. Dial 108 and contact Kupwara DEOC for priority transfers.
Details:
- District
Hospital, Kupwara
Address: Kupwara Town, Jammu and Kashmir 193222
Contact: +91-1955-252227; Emergency: 108
Timings: 24/7
Services: Basic trauma and pediatric care; handling Karnah/Chowkibal cases.
Limitations: No pediatric ICU; serious injuries referred. - SKIMS,
Srinagar
(Same as above, ~120 km / 3–4 hrs from Kupwara)
Action Plan:
- Call
108 for ambulance to Kupwara DH.
- Contact
Kupwara DEOC: +91-1955-252229 (verify).
- Present
child’s Aadhaar or PMJAY card.
- For
severe injuries (e.g., internal bleeding), request referral to SKIMS.
Critical Notes:
- Bias:
Pediatric capacity details often missing from trauma summaries.
- Gap:
No confirmed pediatrician numbers or ICU bed data in Kupwara.
10. How do I access mental health support in Uri for
trauma from shelling?
Answer: Sub-District Hospital in Uri offers basic
counseling through general practitioners. For psychiatric care, request
referral to Baramulla GMC or SKIMS Srinagar. e-Sanjeevani may help with virtual
consults if connectivity allows.
Details:
- Sub-District
Hospital, Uri
Address: Uri, Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir 193123
Contact: Emergency: 108
Timings: Emergencies 24/7; OPD 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Services: Basic psychological support; no psychiatrist onsite.
Limitations: No psychiatry department; referrals necessary. - Baramulla
GMC and SKIMS Srinagar
(See earlier entries for full details.)
Services: Psychiatry, trauma counseling, PTSD care.
Action Plan:
- Visit
SDH Uri or call 108 for transfer.
- Contact
Baramulla DEOC: +91-1952-234401
- Use
e-Sanjeevani (App or 1912) where feasible.
- Severe
cases (e.g., PTSD, suicidal ideation): Request SKIMS referral.
Critical Notes:
- Bias:
Psychological trauma often underreported during crises.
- Gap:
No data on mental health referrals completed or drug availability (e.g.,
SSRIs).
Closing Note on Crisis Healthcare in Border Areas
The ongoing shelling and instability in J&K's border
districts have deeply strained local healthcare systems. While government
hospitals are functional, their resources—especially ICU beds, blood supplies,
and trained specialists—are limited. Ayushman Bharat provides financial
coverage but not logistical support, and in rural/remote zones, administrative
delays are common.
We recommend:
- Verifying
hospital availability before travel
- Using
ambulance services (108) and District Emergency Operation Centres for
coordination
- Carrying
identification and Ayushman Bharat documentation
- Staying informed through local advisories and control rooms
More FAQs
Q1. Is
emergency care available in Poonch and Rajouri after the shelling?Yes, but the
system is overwhelmed. Prioritize DHs and CHCs. Use 108 ambulance service.
Q2. Are
there any diabetologists available in these areas?No named specialists; general
physicians manage diabetes. Serious cases go to GMC Jammu or Srinagar.
Q3. What
should I do if roads are blocked due to shelling?Call 108 or local police for
safe evacuation. Avoid travel unless critically necessary.
Q4. Are
Ayushman Bharat benefits valid in these hospitals?Yes, but only in empaneled
government hospitals. Always carry your card.
Q5. Where
can I find updated contact numbers during crises?Check the J&K Health
Department website or local district administration social media.
This isn’t
just an article. It’s a lifeline. These hospitals and healthcare workers are
heroes. If you’re reading this from a safer part of the country or the world,
share it. If you're in the conflict zone, keep this guide handy and don’t wait
for help—be the help when possible. The battle for life in border zones isn't
just against bullets, but also time, distance, and access.
Stay safe.
Stay informed.
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