Alertindianews.in पर ताजातरीन खबरों को ट्रैक करें, व देश के कोने-कोने से और दुनियाभर से न्यूज़ अपडेट पाएं
In a landmark event marking a new chapter in the healthcare and scientific development of the
Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent
Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology & Earth Sciences; Minister of State in the Prime
Minister’s Office; Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy
and Department of Space, Government of India, and Hon’ble Member of Parliament (18th Lok Sabha),
graced Government Medical College, Kathua on 11th April 2026.
During the distinguished visit, Dr. Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone of the Cancer Treatment and
Education Programme (CTEP) at GMC Kathua and inaugurated the High-Voltage Automation System
(HVAS) at the Central Library, GMC Kathua — two significant milestones that will substantially enhance
the institution’s academic and clinical capabilities.
In the same ceremony, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in the presence of Dr.
Jitendra Singh — one between HBCH & RC, Punjab (Tata Memorial Centre) and GMC Kathua with the
Department of Health & Medical Education, J&K for strengthening oncology services; and another
between CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu and GMC Kathua for
collaborative research, training, and healthcare innovation.
Welcome Ceremony
The event commenced with a warm welcome of the Hon’ble Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who was
received with a ceremonial bouquet presented by Dr. Surinder Kumar Atri, Principal, GMC Kathua. The
Principal also extended a heartfelt welcome to the distinguished Hon’ble MLAs of District Kathua who
graced the occasion:
- Sh. Rajiv Jasrotia, Hon’ble MLA, Jasrota
- Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Hon’ble MLA, Kathua
Also present among the distinguished invitees were Sh. Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua,
and Ms. Mohita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, whose presence added to the
significance of the occasion. Each of the Hon’ble MLAs and other dignitaries was individually presented
a bouquet by the Heads of Department of GMC Kathua, reflecting the warm hospitality and institutional
pride of the college. Dr. Amrish Kohli, Assistant Professor, GMC Kathua, shared the stage and extended
a formal welcome to all dignitaries on behalf of the institution.
Dr. Surinder Kumar Atri, Principal, GMC Kathua, then delivered the welcome address, highlighting the
significant achievements of the college and setting the context for the day’s proceedings. He introduced
the significance of the two MoUs being signed — partnerships with two prestigious national institutions
aimed at enhancing academic excellence, scientific research, and the quality of patient care at GMC
Kathua.
In a gesture of honour and appreciation, the distinguished invitee dignitaries — including Sh. Rajiv
Jasrotia, Hon’ble MLA; Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Hon’ble MLA; Sh. Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner,
Kathua; and Ms. Mohita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua — were felicitated with a shawl
and memento by the Heads of Department of GMC Kathua, one by one. Dr. Surinder Kumar Atri,
Principal, GMC Kathua, bestowed upon each of them a special token of respect comprising a Shawl, a
Memento, and a Basohli Painting — a fitting tribute symbolising the rich cultural heritage of the Kathua
region and the warmth of the institution’s welcome. - MoU 1: Strengthening Cancer Care — HBCH & RC, Punjab (Tata Memorial Centre) & GMC Kathua
The first MoU was signed between Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH & RC),
Punjab — a unit of the prestigious Tata Memorial Centre — and Government Medical College, Kathua,
in association with the Department of Health & Medical Education, Jammu & Kashmir.
Dr. (Prof.) Ashish Gulia, Director, HBCH & RC, Punjab, and a distinguished orthopaedic oncologist and
academic leader, was present to represent HBCH & RC. Dr. Ashish Gulia has been closely associated
with the development of cancer care services in Jammu & Kashmir since 2023, and his continued
guidance has been instrumental in establishing essential services such as Preventive Oncology,
Palliative Care, and Day Care Chemotherapy units at both GMC Kathua and GMC Jammu.
Dr. Ashish Gulia also conducted a comprehensive inspection and review of existing cancer care
infrastructure at GMC Kathua and GMC Jammu during the visit. The visit aimed to assess clinical services
and patient care delivery systems, and to provide strategic guidance for further strengthening oncology
services in the region.
A key focus of the visit was to review progress and plan the development of the State Cancer Institute,
Jammu. Discussions were held with senior officials and institutional leadership to chart a roadmap for
expansion of cancer care services, including initiation of Phase-II services and development of dedicated
cancer wings.
Under HBCH & RC’s leadership, capacity building and training of medical and healthcare professionals
from GMC Kathua has been actively conducted at Tata Memorial Centre, strengthening local capabilities
in oncology care. Dr. Ashish Gulia has also been working in close coordination with the Administration of
J&K and key stakeholders including the Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, J&K; members of NITI
Aayog; and GMC Jammu, GMC Kathua, and SCI Jammu. He has also been nominated as a member of
various committees constituted for preparation of a comprehensive action plan for cancer care in Jammu
& Kashmir. - MoU 2: Advancing Translational Research — CSIR-IIIM, Jammu & GMC Kathua
The second MoU was signed between CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu
and Government Medical College, Kathua — a comprehensive agreement for collaborative research,
training, and joint scientific projects.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, described the partnership
as an important step towards integrating laboratory research with real-world clinical applications. He
noted that CSIR-IIIM, with its expertise in medicinal chemistry, natural products, and drug discovery, is
well-positioned to support evidence-based healthcare innovations, and that collaboration with GMC
Kathua will enable researchers to validate scientific findings in clinical settings, ultimately benefiting
patients.
Under this MoU, both institutions will collaborate in critical areas including clinical research, validation of
drug candidates, pharmacology, natural products, and biotechnology. The partnership will facilitate
access to clinical samples — subject to ethical approvals — to accelerate translational research and
proof-of-concept studies. New avenues for clinical trials, observational studies, and development of
innovative healthcare solutions tailored to regional needs are expected to emerge.
The agreement places strong emphasis on human resource development through exchange of
researchers, students, and scientists, with joint workshops, seminars, and training programmes planned
to build capacity and enhance technical expertise. Both institutions will also work together on joint
educational materials, research publications, and intellectual property development. The MoU will remain
in force for an initial period of five years and includes provisions for joint intellectual property ownership,
confidentiality, and coordinated implementation through a Joint Coordination Committee. No immediate
financial commitments are imposed on either side; project-specific funding will be arranged separately
based on the nature of collaborative initiatives. - Addresses by Dignitaries
Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Hon’ble MLA, Kathua
Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Hon’ble MLA, Kathua, was the first to be invited to address the gathering. He
commended Government Medical College, Kathua, noting that it stands out as one of the best-performing
new medical colleges across Jammu & Kashmir. He warmly appreciated the tireless efforts and visionary
leadership of Dr. Surinder Kumar Atri, Principal, GMC Kathua, in steering the institution to its current
stature. Dr. Bhushan also elaborated on the significance of the two MoUs signed during the event, stating
that these partnerships with nationally renowned institutions will decisively shape the academic, research,
and clinical future of GMC Kathua. He concluded his address by expressing sincere gratitude to Dr.
Jitendra Singh for his invaluable contribution and steadfast support towards the development of
healthcare infrastructure in the region. - Sh. Rajiv Jasrotia, Hon’ble MLA, Jasrota
Sh. Rajiv Jasrotia, Hon’ble MLA, Jasrota, was thereafter invited to address the dignitaries and the
audience. He began by appreciating the exemplary leadership of Dr. Surinder Kumar Atri, Principal, GMC
Kathua, whose dedication has been central to the college’s remarkable progress. Sh. Jasrotia paid
special tribute to Dr. Jitendra Singh, recounting how it was Dr. Singh’s determined efforts and unwavering
advocacy that were instrumental in establishing a Medical College in Kathua in the first place. He
highlighted that ever since, Dr. Jitendra Singh — bringing with him the perspective of a medical doctor
— has continued to contribute meaningfully and consistently to the development of GMC Kathua. He
noted that Dr. Singh has periodically provided expert guidance and suggestions aimed at elevating GMC
Kathua into a true Centre of Excellence, and that his continued involvement remains a source of immense
inspiration for the institution and the people of the region. - Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister — Chief Guest Address
The Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Jitendra Singh, was then invited to address the gathering. In his keynote
address, Dr. Singh expressed that he feels a deep personal connection with medical institutions, being a
medical doctor himself. He stated that the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding — one with Homi
Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH & RC), Punjab (Tata Memorial Centre), and the
other with CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu — marks a watershed
moment for GMC Kathua. He emphasised that these collaborations will significantly strengthen academic
and research activities at the college and, most importantly, will bring meaningful relief to cancer patients
of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh by enhancing access to quality oncology care in
the region.
Dr. Singh also shed light on two major infrastructure projects that are set to benefit the local population
of Kathua district — the Shahpur Kandi Project and the Ujh Multipurpose Project — underscoring the
Government’s holistic approach to regional development encompassing both healthcare and essential
infrastructure. He warmly appreciated the contributions of Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director, HBCH & RC,
Punjab; Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu; and Dr. Surinder Kumar Atri, Principal, GMC
Kathua, for their collective dedication, collaborative spirit, and outstanding efforts in bringing this
landmark occasion to fruition.
The formal proceedings of the event were concluded with a Vote of Thanks presented by Dr. Sanjay
Kalsotra, Professor & Head, Department of Anaesthesia, GMC Kathua, on behalf of the entire GMC
Kathua family. Dr. Sanjay Kalsotra expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Guest Dr. Jitendra
Singh, all the Hon’ble MLAs, and all distinguished guests for gracing the occasion, and conveyed sincere
thanks to all partner institutions and dignitaries whose vision and effort made this landmark event
possible.
This landmark occasion represents a transformative moment for Jammu & Kashmir’s healthcare
and scientific landscape. The foundation stone of CTEP at GMC Kathua underscores the administration’s
commitment to making cancer care accessible to the people of the region. The inauguration of the HVAC
system at the Central Library further strengthens the academic environment at GMC Kathua. The two
MoUs collectively create a robust framework for integrating cutting-edge oncology services and
translational research into the healthcare ecosystem of J&K — bringing the benefits of national-level
scientific expertise directly to the people of this Union Territory.
These collaborative efforts are aligned with the larger national vision of bridging the gap between
advanced research and frontline healthcare delivery, and reflect the strong commitment of all partner
institutions and the Government of India towards reducing the cancer burden and improving access to
quality care in Jammu & Kashmir.
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