{"id":472633,"date":"2026-04-11T13:21:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T13:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/?p=472633"},"modified":"2026-04-11T13:21:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T13:21:50","slug":"foundation-stone-laying-inauguration-of-hvac-at-gmc-kathua-and-singing-of-mouwith-hbch-rc-punjab-tata-memorial-centre-and-singing-of-mou-with-csir-iiimjammu-gmc-kathua","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/?p=472633","title":{"rendered":"Foundation Stone Laying & Inauguration of HVAC at GMC Kathua and singing of MoUwith HBCH & RC, Punjab (Tata Memorial Centre) and singing of MoU with CSIR-IIIM,Jammu & GMC Kathua"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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 \u2014 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 \u2014 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    \n
  • Sh. Rajiv Jasrotia, Hon’ble MLA, Jasrota<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 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\u2019ble 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 \u2014 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 \u2014 including Sh. Rajiv
    Jasrotia, Hon\u2019ble MLA; Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Hon\u2019ble MLA; Sh. Rajesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner,
    Kathua; and Ms. Mohita Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua \u2014 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 \u2014 a fitting tribute symbolising the rich cultural heritage of the Kathua
    region and the warmth of the institution\u2019s welcome.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • MoU 1: Strengthening Cancer Care \u2014 HBCH & RC, Punjab (Tata Memorial Centre) & GMC Kathua
    The first MoU was signed between Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCH & RC),
    Punjab \u2014 a unit of the prestigious Tata Memorial Centre \u2014 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.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • MoU 2: Advancing Translational Research \u2014 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 \u2014 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 \u2014 subject to ethical approvals \u2014 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.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Addresses by Dignitaries
    Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Hon\u2019ble MLA, Kathua
    Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Hon\u2019ble 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.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Sh. Rajiv Jasrotia, Hon\u2019ble MLA, Jasrota
    Sh. Rajiv Jasrotia, Hon\u2019ble 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\u2019s remarkable progress. Sh. Jasrotia paid
    special tribute to Dr. Jitendra Singh, recounting how it was Dr. Singh\u2019s 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 \u2014 bringing with him the perspective of a medical doctor
    \u2014 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.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon\u2019ble Union Minister \u2014 Chief Guest Address
    The Hon\u2019ble 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 \u2014 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 \u2014 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 \u2014 the Shahpur Kandi Project and the Ujh Multipurpose Project \u2014 underscoring the
    Government\u2019s 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\u2019ble Chief Guest Dr. Jitendra
    Singh, all the Hon\u2019ble 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 \u2014 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    In a landmark event marking a new chapter in the healthcare and scientific development of theUnion Territory of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-472633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"featured_image_urls":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":"","morenews-large":"","morenews-medium":""},"author_info":{"display_name":"aruntrisal786@gmail.com","author_link":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/?author=1"},"category_info":"Uncategorized<\/a>","tag_info":"Uncategorized","comment_count":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/472633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=472633"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/472633\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":472639,"href":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/472633\/revisions\/472639"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=472633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=472633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alertindianews.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=472633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}