Health Dept plans robust medical facilities for Shri Amarnath Yatra

SRINAGAR: The Health and Medical Education Department today convened a high level meeting under the chairmanship of Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, to review and finalise preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2025, scheduled to be held from 3rd July to 9th August 2025.

The meeting was attended by Director SKIMS, Directors of Health Services Kashmir and Jammu, Principals of all Government Medical Colleges including SKIMS Medical College Bemina, Managing Director NHM J&K, Managing Director JKMSCL, Executive Director of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, Director Family Welfare and Dr. L Swasticharan besides Deputy Director General (Health Services), Government of India, along with his team.

The Secretary asked the Directors of Health Services, Kashmir and Jammu, to submit comprehensive deployment plans for medical personnel by 30th May 2025. He directed the JKMSCL to ensure availability and pre-positioning of essential medical stocks at strategically located warehouses near Chandanwari and Baltal.

He asked the concerned for ensuring that the Base Hospitals at Chandanwari and Baltal must be fully operational before well commencement of the annual pilgrimage to manage the devotees effectively.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has already shared a list of 123 medical personnel with DHS Kashmir for deployment during the Yatra.

It was directed that doctors and paramedics shall be deployed well in advance before the start of Yatra 2025. Besides, healthcare personnel shall be relieved only after the reliever joins to ensure uninterrupted services.
It was decided that the telemedicine services will be operational and tested in advance. Besides, training in telemedicine and emergency response will be conducted by the Dhobiwan Institute and SKIMS, with SKIMS Medical College Bemina leading the effort.

The Secretary emphasised the need for meticulous preparedness, seamless coordination and timely implementation of all directions to provide efficient and reliable healthcare services to the pilgrims.