JAMMU, Dec 20: In response to the emergence of the new COVID variant, JN-1, the Government of India has directed the Health Ministry of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to remain vigilant and enhance testing facilities.
The directive includes setting up two testing kiosks at Government Medical College and Hospital Jammu (GMC&H-Jammu) and Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital-Jammu (SMGS), the premier maternity and pediatric hospital in the Jammu region.
Addressing a press conference at GMC-Jammu, Principal Dr. Ashutosh announced, “On the directions of GoI, we have set up two kiosks for testing of COVID patients at GMC&H-Jammu and SMGS. A mock drill assessing our preparedness will be conducted in the first week of January, as per GoI directives.”
As part of the preparedness plan outlined by the J&K Health Department, Associated Hospitals are instructed to refer suspected cases to GMC-Jammu and SMGS Hospital for testing.
Dr. Ashutosh emphasised, “We are prepared and are scrutinizing potential loopholes to meet any health emergency. An audit of our Oxygen Plants will be conducted, and necessary steps will be taken.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation has also been directed to ensure an adequate supply of medicines. One hundred beds have been reserved exclusively for COVID patients in different hospitals across Jammu, with GMC&H-Jammu and SMGS serving as key facilities.
Dr. Ashutosh assured that various preparations, including staff requirements, oxygen supply, testing facilities, and precautionary measures, are underway at a war footing level. The Health Department is actively responding to the advisory from the Union Health Ministry to effectively manage any potential crisis.
In response to the current situation, the Health Department has already reserved 100 beds at GMC&H-Jammu and SMGS Hospital, strategically positioned to handle COVID emergencies in the Jammu region.
