GMC B’la conducts first bronchoscopy, scleral tear repair surgery

Srinagar, Feb 10: Govt. Medical College Baramulla has conducted first video bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsy and first Scleral Tear Repair Surgery achieving a major milestone that has come as a major relief for patients of north Kashmir areas.
Officials said the Department of Chest Medicine undertook a procedure for the 34-year-old male patient from Uri with post-tubercular lung Fibrosis and LUL Aspergilloma for diagnostic BAL under the expertise of Dr Shumail Bashir, Associate Professor.
They said another patient was a 57-year-old male with suspected lung cancer. This is for the first time that a procedure like this has been done in GMC Baramulla adding to its mission of better diagnostics and patient care.
The procedure was undertaken by the Department of TB and Chest Medicine with support from the department of anaesthesia.
Doctors said bronchoscopy is an invasive diagnostic test useful for diagnosing diseases like lung cancer, atypical infections, interstitial lung diseases, evaluation of hemoptysis etc. and such diagnostic facilities would mean less referrals and early diagnosis.
Similarly, another milestone was achieved when the doctors conducted the first ever Scleral Tear Repair Surgery, which was the first ever night-time Scleral tear Surgery performed.
It was conducted by the Department of Ophthalmology and the team of experts led by Dr Shabana Khan (AP) thus adding another accomplishment and displaying deep commitment to innovation with elimination of patient referral.
This surgery signifies a new era of comprehensive and accessible healthcare. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of surgical innovation, providing specialized care even in the darkest hours,” said a doctor. Dr Nadia Manzoor, Dr Snober and Dr Saadat Hamid were part of the expert team.
Principal GMC Baramulla, Dr Rubi Reshi said the medical college started conducting cancer surgeries which is a milestone in the healthcare delivery in entire north Kashmir.
She said they are committed to provide comprehensive cancer care to people including state-of-the-art diagnostic setup, cancer diagnosis in particular, management and follow-up.
“The future endeavors include MRI and complete radio-diagnostic and radiotherapy and radiation oncology setup,” Dr Rubi said. The principal said once that is done they shall be able to treat cancer patients visiting the medical college from far-flung areas.
“We have conducted surgeries in stomach cancer, intestinal cancer, thyroid cancer and other cancer surgeries. Cancer work is teamwork. We have now enough manpower in radiation oncology and medical oncology,” she said.
The medical college has also started chemotherapy services. Earlier, patients from north Kashmir had to go to Srinagar hospitals like SKIMS Soura and GMC Srinagar for the same. “There are all facilities for cancer patients. There is complete cancer treatment,” Dr Rubi said.
The doctor said now all the patients are handled in GMC Baramulla only and they have state-of-the-art machinery and equipment with the support of the government.
“There is still a scope for improvement and we are working hard for more. Today, if we compare our hospital with other hospitals we are at a better place,” she said.
The hospital has started super specialty clinics of several departments like neurosurgery, surgery, urology, and pediatric surgery which run every week. These clinics have helped patients a lot. Diagnostic facilities including CT Scan and investigations have improved.