No Orthodontist post exists at GMC Baramulla: H&ME Dept

Srinagar, Feb 17: The Government of J&K on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that there is no sanctioned post of Orthodontist at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, as such no specialist can be appointed to address orthodontic needs of patients in north Kashmir.

In a reply to a starred question raised by MLA Uri, Dr Sajjad Shafi, MLA Uri, who had sought details about vacant orthodontist posts especially in lieu of the growing number of school children suffering from dental and orthodontic problems in the Baramulla district.

In its written reply, the Health and Medical Education Department informed that there is no sanctioned post of an orthodontist post at GMC Baramulla. The government acknowledged that large numbers of school children are being diagnosed with dental and orthodontic issues during routine health check-ups conducted under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). It said that these children are subsequently referred for treatment to designated health institutions. However, due to the absence of a specialist orthodontist at Government Medical College Baramulla, patients requiring braces and corrective dental procedures are being referred to Government Dental College Srinagar. The government stated that all orthodontic treatments, including appliances, are provided free of cost at the Srinagar Dental College under RBSK, ensuring that children are not denied care due to financial hardship.

In response to the question of whether the government plans to create or fill an orthodontist post at GMC Baramulla, The government informed that there is neither a sanctioned post nor any proposal under consideration for appointing or deputing an orthodontist to GMC Baramulla.