Srinagar, June 02: Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr.Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, inspected hospitals in Pahalgam, Nunwan, and Chandanwari on Sunday to review preparations for the upcoming annual AmarnathYatra. The Yatra is set to commence on June 29, and healthcare facilities are being optimized to ensure the wellbeing of the pilgrims.
A spokesperson for the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir stated that Dr.Rather’s visits included assessments of the hospitals’ current status and the progress of preparations. “He emphasized the timely execution of ongoing works to ensure the completion of necessary infrastructure before the commencement of the Yatra,” the spokesperson said.
During the visits, Dr Rather met with hospital staff and teams responsible for setting up the facilities, urging them to expedite their efforts in providing comprehensive healthcare services for the pilgrims. He also held a meeting with local medical staff, directing them to ensure top-notch healthcare arrangements well before the start of the pilgrimage.
The Health Department Kashmir is making extensive health arrangements along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes of the Yatra. These efforts aim to provide Yatris with access to excellent medical care throughout their pilgrimage. Dr. Rather was accompanied by Dr.Zahoor Ahmed Sofi, Medical Superintendent of Pahalgam Hospital, along with other concerned officers and health officials.
Reflecting on last year’s Yatra, Dr. Rather noted that around 500,000 pilgrims visited the holy caves over 60 days and received exemplary healthcare services. He assured that the upgraded facilities would meet the expected influx of pilgrims this year.
“All hospitals and health facilities along the transit routes will have emergency response systems in place, with adequate manpower available at all hours,” Dr. Rather said. He added that Oxygen Manifolds Systems would be functional at key locations, including Sonamarg, Baltal, the Holy Cave, Lower Holy Cave, Panjtarni, Sheshnag, and Civil Hospital Pahalgam.
Specialist doctors such as cardiologists, respiratory physicians, general physicians, orthopaedists, and surgeons will be deployed for the Yatra. Dr. Rather appealed to the Yatris to cooperate with the authorities and acclimatize themselves to the weather conditions. “They should bring warm clothes, as high altitude and cold weather are the primary health risks. A health certificate issued by authorities is compulsory for all Yatris,” he emphasised.
