Srinagar, July 01
As the highly anticipated AmarnathYatra 2023 begins, the Health Department Kashmir has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims. In this regard, a dedicated 24/7 control room has been established at the Old Secretariat, CMO Office Srinagar. This control room will serve as the central hub for managing emergencies and collecting real-time information across various parameters throughout the duration of the Yatra.
Officials have emphasized the importance of timely reporting and analysis of data related to camp activities, infrastructure, staff attendance, injuries, and referrals. To facilitate this, multiple reporting formats have been circulated among the concerned officers and officials. The aim is to initiate an appropriate response promptly based on the information received.
Dr.Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Director Health Services Kashmir, visited the control room to inspect the preparedness and stressed the need for proactive communication channels with the medical camps along the pilgrimage route to the Holy cave. He expressed confidence in the department’s ability to provide essential medical facilities to the pilgrims.
To ensure a comprehensive healthcare system, a virtual review meeting was conducted by the Director Health Services with all the camp in-charges of the Yatra. The facilities being put in place for AmarnathYatra 2023 were assessed and feedback was gathered.
Dr. Rather highlighted that state-of-the-art critical care facilities have been established to handle emergencies during the annual pilgrimage. Special ambulances, manifold oxygen facilities, and mobile oxygen booths have been provided to cater to the needs of the pilgrims. Upgrades have been made to the base hospitals in Baltal and Pahalgam, with intensive care facilities available even in remote locations.
Specialists, including physicians, cardiologists, respiratory physicians, orthopedicians, and anesthetists, have been deployed at the base hospitals to ensure comprehensive medical care. To address high altitude casualties, six base hospitals have been set up at both Chandanwadi and Baltal sides. The necessary diagnostic equipment, such as X-ray and ultrasound machines, are available at these high-altitude locations to tackle any medical emergencies.
Clear protocols have been established to manage patients and evacuate them when necessary. Additionally, two 100-bedded DRDO hospitals have been established at Chandanwadi and Baltal, equipped with all the necessary facilities for the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims.
The Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir has planned to set up a total of 55 medical stations along the AmarnathYatra route, including both Pahalgam and Baltal sides. These healthcare facilities will have round-the-clock emergency response systems in place, ensuring adequate manpower at all times.
Furthermore, the oxygen manifold system will be made functional at Sonamarg, Baltal, Holy Cave, Lower Holy Cave, Panjtarni, Sheshnag, and Civil Hospital Pahalgam to provide a steady supply of oxygen. Tertiary care facilities like SKIMS Soura, SKIMS Bemina, and Government Medical Colleges will be on standby to handle any referral cases.
The government and its departments face the challenge of providing seamless facilities and creating conducive conditions to alleviate difficulties and ensure a smooth and safe AmarnathYatra. With the establishment of the control room and state-of-the-art medical facilities, the Health Department Kashmir is committed to prioritizing the health and well-being of the pilgrims during this auspicious pilgrimage.
