Health Minister Itoo reviews medical preparedness for Amarnath yatra

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, held a comprehensive review of medical preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra during her visit to Sonamarg on Monday.

Chairing a high-level meeting of the Health Department officials, the Minister was briefed by the Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Jahangir Bakshi, about the overall medical strategy for smooth conduct of yatra. He provided an overview of the healthcare arrangements being put in place along the Baltal route, which include deployment of medical staff, availability of life-saving medicines, ambulances, oxygen booths, and accommodation for healthcare personnel.

It was informed that 30 medical stations, comprising base hospitals, medical aid camps, and emergency aid centres, have been established at key locations along the Baltal axis. These facilities are fully equipped with essential medical equipment, supplies, and trained medical and paramedical personnel to ensure efficient and timely healthcare services for the pilgrims.

Emphasising the importance of readiness, Itoo directed the health authorities to ensure that all medical arrangements are in place well before the commencement of the yatra. “There shall be no compromise on the safety and healthcare of the yatris,” she stated.

The Minister further stressed that the list of medical and paramedical staff, along with their contact numbers, should be shared with the district administration besides duty rosters of doctors must be adhered to strictly to avoid any disruptions during the pilgrimage.

Itoo called for robust coordination among all medical units deployed along the route to provide seamless and uninterrupted healthcare services throughout the yatra period.

The meeting, among others, was attended by MLA Kangan, Mian Mehar Ali; Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore; Director Health Services Kashmir, Director Family Welfare MCH & Immunization J&K, Director Ayush, CMO Ganderbal, and other senior officials from the Health Department and district Administration.

Later, the Minister visited the Baltal Base Camp Hospital, where she inspected the arrangements and interacted with the on-ground staff. She directed officials to ensure round-the-clock availability of doctors, paramedical staff, and other healthcare professionals and emphasised that uninterrupted medical services must be ensured for the welfare of the pilgrims.