KATHUA, April 11, 2026 : In a significant push to healthcare and medical education in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that Government Medical College Kathua will commence MD courses this year, alongside a major upgrade to its cancer treatment facilities in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre.
The announcement came during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at GMC Kathua, marking a key milestone in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and research capabilities in the region.
Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed that the existing Day Care Cancer Centre at GMC Kathua will be significantly upgraded with the installation of advanced radiotherapy equipment. This move is expected to provide cutting-edge cancer treatment locally, reducing the need for patients to travel to metro cities for specialized care.
He emphasized that the collaboration will also focus on capacity building, with doctors and surgeons from GMC Kathua receiving specialized training in oncology and cancer surgery from experts at Tata Memorial Centre. This is aimed at improving early diagnosis, enhancing treatment outcomes, and strengthening overall patient care in the region.
In another major development, GMC Kathua signed an MoU with CSIR Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine to promote joint research and academic collaboration. The institute is actively engaged in advanced research areas such as tuberculosis drug resistance and immunity-boosting interventions.
The Minister noted that this partnership will open avenues for joint research projects addressing critical public health challenges. It will also support postgraduate studies, including MD thesis work in pharmacology and medicine, offering students valuable exposure to interdisciplinary research and advanced scientific resources.
Highlighting the importance of such collaborations, Dr. Singh stated that integrating medical institutions with premier research organizations is essential for translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice and improving healthcare delivery.
On the occasion, the Minister also inaugurated a modern library at GMC Kathua, equipped with access to academic journals under the “One Nation One Subscription” initiative. He encouraged students to make full use of these resources for academic excellence and research advancement.
Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for a 150 KLD Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) within the campus, aimed at ensuring proper waste management and strengthening environmental sustainability at the institution.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including local legislators, district officials, senior police officers, and heads of participating institutions, marking a comprehensive step toward transforming healthcare and medical education in the region.
