The deadly attack on tourists on April 22 at Baisaran, also known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ in Pahalgam, has exposed serious gaps in the region’s healthcare facilities, particularly in terms of emergency response. The Primary Health Centre (PHC), the nearest healthcare facility, is located six kilometers away from Baisaran, and the rugged terrain makes it even more difficult for patients in urgent need to reach the center.
Despite the efforts of health officials at the PHC in Pahalgam to treat the 17 injured tourists, they were unable to provide care for the four patients who had sustained bullet wounds. “We referred them to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag,” said one of the health officials. “A separate building is in the offing, and soon it will be a two-story facility equipped with all essential services, including surgeons and full trauma care.”
In the midst of the chaos caused by the terrorist attack, terrified tourists scrambled down the treacherous path to seek shelter. “We were running, oblivious to our injuries. There were almost 1500 to 2000 tourists at Baisaran when the attack occurred. The government must take steps to establish medical facilities or mini-hospitals at locations with high tourist traffic,” said Pooja, a tourist from Maharashtra, whose husband was injured in his left foot. She shared that it took a great effort to reach the PHC, located 6 to 7 kilometers away from Baisaran. “First-line treatment should always be close by,” she said before returning to Maharashtra.
Had the PHC been upgraded, it could have provided quicker care for the injured. The current facility has remained neglected for the past six years, hindered by land disputes, administrative challenges, and the absence of local representation. National Conference (NC) MLA for Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Kaloo, acknowledged these deficiencies and assured that the PHC would soon be upgraded to a Sub-District Hospital (SDH).
“I will pursue the matter and ensure that the PHC is upgraded to a SDH in the time to come,” he said. “I have already been assured in the Assembly during the budget session that PHC Pahalgam will be upgraded to SDH. I will also push for the road to Baisaran to be made motorable. It’s my commitment.”
Baisaran, often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland” of Kashmir due to its scenic meadows and surrounding pine forests, attracts thousands of tourists, particularly during the summer. However, the area remains difficult to access. Tourists typically hike or hire ponies to reach the spot, and in the event of a medical emergency, evacuation becomes a formidable challenge, as was tragically evident on April 22, when a terrorist attack claimed the lives of 27 civilians.
Locals and tour operators have raised concerns about the lack of emergency preparedness in this high-traffic zone. Alongside tourists, the local population often faces difficulties in accessing healthcare, requiring long journeys under challenging conditions for basic medical treatment.
