Enhanced Medical Facilities Ensure Safer Amarnath Yatra

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir, has implemented extensive measures to ensure the safety of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. This includes deploying additional medical staff, setting up base hospitals, and enhancing emergency preparedness through comprehensive training and real-time data monitoring.

With the Amarnath Yatra underway, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is supporting the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir in bolstering medical staff and enhancing emergency preparedness. This action is aligned with the Supreme Court's directives, which mandate medical facilities at every two kilometers, deployment of doctors from other States, and establishment of mortuary facilities.

Over the past two years, the Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division has streamlined healthcare processes for the pilgrimage. In 2023, under the leadership of Additional DDG and EMR Director L Swasticharan, an on-site assessment of medical facilities was conducted for the first time to ensure standards met pilgrims' health needs.

The 2023 assessment visit prioritized enhancing medical care arrangements and coordination between states and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) Kashmir. A National Level Review Meeting for Amarnath Yatra was organized by the Directorate General of Health Services and MoHFW, chaired by DGHS Atul Goel, in Srinagar to discuss challenges and future improvements.

Representatives from 12 States/UTs, top medical institutions, and stakeholders attended the meeting, marking a significant step in ensuring pilgrims' safety. Health Care Workers' deputation from various states and institutions has been arranged in shifts.

To compare improvements and emergency preparedness for Amarnath Yatra, an EMR team led by L Swasticharan visited Kashmir from June 26 to June 29, 2024. Semi-permanent structures for base hospitals have been established at Baltal and Chandanwari with ONGC CSR support.

A real-time data collection module, developed by NCDC-IDSP/IHIP, will monitor health issues and enable data comparison to improve facilities. The EMR division, along with DHS Kashmir, is also developing a training course on high-altitude medicine for healthcare workers, ensuring their preparedness through e-certificates.

The EMR Division and DHS Kashmir teams are continuously monitoring the Yatra for any eventualities, ensuring the pilgrims' well-being during the arduous journey.

(With inputs from agencies.)