Srinagar, Feb 21 (KNO): The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) J&K has raised serious concerns over the “alarming and unacceptable” conditions faced by students at Government Medical College (GMC) Udhampur, highlighting the absence of a functional hostel and lack of essential facilities.
AIMSA said that despite the institution being established to strengthen healthcare education in the region, students continue to struggle with inadequate infrastructure, forcing them to live in difficult conditions that are impacting both their academic performance and overall well-being.
AIMSA J&K President, Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that students are compelled to stay in rented accommodations far from the college campus, many of which are unsafe and lack basic hygiene standards.
“Students are living in scattered locations without proper access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and study-friendly environments. Transportation issues further add to their daily hardships,” he said.
He added that the absence of proper hostel facilities has led to serious health concerns among students, particularly female students. “Due to poor hygiene and lack of adequate washroom facilities, cases of urinary tract infections are increasingly being reported, which is deeply concerning and unacceptable in a professional medical institution,” he noted.
The Association termed the situation a “grave violation” of students’ right to safe and dignified living conditions, alleging systemic neglect in addressing their grievances.
AIMSA further said that medical students, who are expected to serve as the backbone of the healthcare system in the future, should not be subjected to such conditions that compromise their physical and mental health.
The Association has appealed to Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo to take immediate and concrete steps to resolve the crisis.
“We urge the government to prioritise the construction of a proper hostel campus, ensure availability of clean water, sanitation, security, and transport facilities, and create a conducive academic environment for students at GMC Udhampur,” AIMSA said.
The students and the Association have expressed hope that the authorities will take swift action to address the pressing issues and uphold the dignity and welfare of future healthcare professionals—(KNO)