Srinagar, Feb 22: The recent announcement by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding the establishment of a trauma hospital in Uri area in the Budget 2026–27 in north Kashmir’ Baramulla district has been widely welcomed by residents of the border town, who described the move as a long-awaited and much-needed decision.
Locals said the proposed trauma hospital would bring significant relief, particularly to people living in the higher reaches and villages close to the Line of Control (LoC).
Uri, being a border area has witnessed frequent cross-border shelling over the past three decades, resulting in civilian casualties and injuries.
Residents pointed out that in many emergency situations, especially cases of shelling and road accidents, victims either succumbed to injuries due to the lack of advanced medical facilities at the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Uri or had to be referred to Srinagar for specialized treatment. The delay in shifting critical patients to Srinagar often proved fatal.
“In many accident cases, precious time was lost while transporting patients to Srinagar. A trauma hospital in Uri will ensure immediate and advanced medical care, which can save countless lives,” said a local resident.
The demand for a well-equipped trauma care facility in Uri has been pending for years, with locals repeatedly highlighting the vulnerability of the border population and the need for emergency healthcare infrastructure in the region.
While expressing gratitude to the government and the Chief Minister for addressing the issue in the Budget, residents urged the authorities to expedite the process. They demanded that suitable land for the hospital be identified without delay and that construction work begin at the earliest.
“The announcement has given us hope, but timely execution is crucial. We request the government to ensure that the project does not remain confined to papers,” another resident said.
The proposed trauma hospital is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare services in sub-division Uri covering over 150 villages and reduce dependence on tertiary hospitals in Srinagar, particularly during emergencies arising from shelling incidents and road accidents.
