Srinagar, Aug 19: Over two lakh patients have visited the healthcare facilities set up by Directorate of Health Services Kashmir along Pahalgam and Baltal axis, officials said, as the annual yatra concluded with more than 5.10 lakh pilgrims offering prayers at cave shrine.
“With the culmination of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir recorded over 2 lakh OPD patients along both Pahalgam and Baltal axis,” a spokesperson of DHSK said.
Through meticulous planning, skill based targeted training and the deployment of advanced medical facilities, the health department Kashmir has reduced mortality rate and it underscores the department’s commitment in ensuring safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
Notably, the new Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Jehangir Bakshi today took a review with Yatra Unit DHSK and was briefed about the summary, cumulative work done and significant milestones achieved.
On this occasion DHSK emphasised that under the able guidance of Secretary Health & Medical Education Department, UT J&K Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah and overall support from UT & Central Administration, DHSK played a significant role in providing efficient health care services to the pilgrims.
He director also complimented the health care management and manpower deployed from outside and within the UT for providing health care services during the yatra period.
The patients seen by the health centres included yatris, service providers, personnel from other departments, security personnel and others.
The spokesperson said that more than 17,000 people were recorded under short stay admissions which mainly availed supplemental oxygen therapy due to symptoms of High Altitude Disease along with basic day care medical services.
He said around 3,807 patients were treated for injuries. Similarly, 26,918 patients underwent various diagnostic tests which included Lab. Tests, X-ray, ECG, USGs etc.
“There has been a considerable decrease in cardiac events as the directorate has been augmenting the Human Resource, Drugs and Logistics with trained staff,” he said.
In addition to this early intervention of managing patients of high altitude illness with timely admission at Base Camp Hospitals equipped with Oxygen Manifold System and all necessary advanced equipment and medications has contributed to deliverance of effective health care.
The spokesperson said in addition to its availability of mobile on-track pony ambulances, visual screening at the entry gates from both Axis, IEC efforts by the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir was put in place for ensuring safety of the pilgrims.
Pertinently, DHSK had established 55 medical stations along the pilgrimage route, comprising 06 Base Hospitals (BHs) which included 100 Bedded Hospital at Baltal and Chandanwari, Medical Aid Centres (MACs), Emergency Aid Centres (EACs) to ensure comprehensive healthcare support.
He said twenty-six strategically placed oxygen booths along the route ensured continuous access to supplemental oxygen for pilgrims, particularly at high-altitude locations.
All Base hospitals namely Baltal, Holy Cave, Lower Holy Cave, Panjtarni, Sheshnag, and Chandanwari had been equipped with advanced ICU facilities. In addition advance equipments like Automatic Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation Machines (CPRs), Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), ventilators, infusion pumps, beds, Portable X-Ray Machines and other essential medical equipments were operationalized. Strategic placement of facilities such as Liquid Oxygen tanks, Bulk Oxygen Cylinders, Medium Oxygen Cylinders and Oxygen Concentrators at various base hospitals ensured adequate oxygen availability.
“The bed strength along the pilgrimage route had been significantly increased to 316 beds. This expansion ensured that pilgrims had access to adequate medical care,” the spokesman said.
Thirteen dedicated ambulances, including critical care units, along with 25 standby ambulances ensured swift emergency response services throughout the pilgrimage route.
He said all medical personnel deployed for the yatra were trained in high altitude emergency medicine to proficiently manage altitude-related health issues and emergencies.
“Telemedicine units services were reinstated to facilitate remote medical consultation and support, leveraging technology to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency.”
He said a total of 1415 staff members were deployed for Yatra duties in three shifts including 173 Specialists, 244 Medical Officers & 998 Paramedical staff.
“Out of the total requirement 754 staff were deputed from Directorate and 661 medical staff were deputed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India,” he added.
