By Idrees Bukhtiyar
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30 Mar 2026

Uri residents demand laparoscopic surgery facility at SDH

Srinagar, Mar 29: The Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district is facing growing demand for the introduction of laparoscopic surgery services, with patients currently compelled to travel long distances to access such procedures in Baramulla and Srinagar. Residents from Uri and its adjoining areas expressed concern over the absence of minimally invasive surgical facilities saying patients are referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla or hospitals in Srinagar, causing inconvenience, delays, and added financial burden. Locals said that despite SDH Uri catering to a large population along the Line of Control (LoC), the lack of advanced surgical care forces patients to seek treatment outside the area. “We have a well-functioning

hospital here, but when it comes to laparoscopic surgeries, we are left with no choice but to travel to Baramulla or Srinagar,” said a delegation of locals from Uri headed by Bashir Bhat. “This not only delays treatment but also increases expenses for poor families.” Another local, Shabnam Begum, said that patients, especially women and elderly, suffer the most due to the lack of such facilities. “Traveling long distances in medical emergencies is very difficult. If laparoscopic surgery is made available here, it will benefit thousands of people,” she said. Healthcare observers noted that laparoscopic surgery, known for quicker recovery and reduced hospital stay, has become a standard procedure in many

hospitals across J&K. However, its absence in peripheral hospitals like SDH Uri continues to create gaps in healthcare accessibility. Residents have urged the health authorities to equip the Uri hospital with the necessary infrastructure and trained specialists to provide laparoscopic procedures locally. “It will significantly reduce referrals and ease the burden on tertiary hospitals,” said another local, adding that it would also strengthen healthcare services in border areas. However, BMO Uri, Dr Balwinder Singh, said that he has taken up the matter with higher authorities. “We have written to DC Baramulla and Directorate of Health Services Kashmir. They have assured us that the facility will be made available this year,” Singh said.