Jammu, Mar 20: Reaffirming its commitment to providing top-notch infrastructure and healthcare facilities for devotees during the Annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory government announced on Thursday that effective measures were being taken to ensure immediate and adequate healthcare services throughout the Yatra. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit Kashmir to undertake the holy pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave Shrine.
In response to a question raised by MLA Mian Meher Ali in the Assembly, the government revealed that the Department had developed a robust mechanism involving the deployment of additional manpower, advanced machinery and equipment, and necessary consumables to ensure round-the-clock healthcare access for both tourists and locals during the Yatra.
The government also emphasized that Sonamarg, a major tourist destination attracting visitors from around the world, serves as a base camp at Baltal for Amarnath devotees. The House was informed that Baltal, the base camp for the Yatra, is being equipped with all necessary healthcare facilities to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for the devotees.
Additionally, a semi-permanent 100-bedded hospital, developed under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), has been established at Baltal to cater to the needs of the Yatris and provide healthcare services to the local population.
In response to a query from MLA Mian Meher Ali regarding the upgradation of PHC Sonmarg, the government clarified that the Public Health Centre (PHC) at Sonamarg currently houses a 10-bedded facility, including a minor OT, general ward, labour room, and lab section. As an en-route health facility for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, it also serves the healthcare needs of the local population.
The government further explained that PHC Sonamarg, though not meeting the criteria for full-scale upgradation under IPHS-2022 norms, enhances its capacity during peak periods through the temporary reinforcement of manpower and infrastructure to manage the surge in demand.
