SRINAGAR, JUNE 25: The Director of Health Services, Kashmir Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed Rather, conducted a comprehensive review of the healthcare facilities along the Pahalgam and Baltal yatra routes in preparation for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to commence next month.
Accompanied by Nodal Officer Yatra, Dr Majid Ahad, the Medical Superintendent of the DRDO Hospital, and other health department officials, Dr. Rather embarked on a daylong tour to assess and inspect the healthcare arrangements ahead of the highly anticipated yatra.
During the visit, the director visited various sites on horseback and ensured his presence at all accessible medical aid centres. His itinerary included Emergency Aid Centre Mid Pissu, Emergency Aid Centre Mild Zojibal, Medical Aid Centers at Pissu Top, Zojibal, Nagakoti, and the Base Hospital Sheeshnag.
Dr Rather meticulously inspected these centres, reviewing the preparations being made to accommodate the yatris. Additionally, he took the opportunity to engage with local residents during his tour.
The Director expressed the need for prompt execution of pending works before the yatra commences, directing the concerned officers and officials accordingly. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place well before the yatra begins, leaving no room for laxity in delivering healthcare services to the devotees.
Dr Rather specifically instructed officials to ensure the timely availability of essential drugs and medical equipment, aiming to eliminate any potential difficulties faced by the pilgrims.
It is pertinent to mention that the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir has conducted training programs for doctors and paramedic staff at the Regional Institute of Health & Family Welfare, Dhobiwan, as part of the ‘Training of Trainers’ initiative for high-altitude healthcare.
Like in previous years, the directorate plans to deploy a significant number of healthcare workers in four shifts to provide the best medical services at the makeshift health facilities during the yatra. A total of 1,790 employees will be assigned yatra duties, and a request for 883 staff members has been made to the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Furthermore, tertiary care facilities such as SKIMS Soura, SKIMS Bemina, and Government Medical Colleges will be on standby mode during the yatra to handle any referral cases that may arise.
The government and its departments face the challenge of providing adequate facilities and creating favourable conditions to alleviate difficulties and ensure a smooth yatra experience for all pilgrims.
