Amarnath Yatra: Comprehensive Medical Support and New Initiatives to Ensure Pilgrims’ Safety

The Union Health Ministry has deployed a dedicated team of doctors and introduced innovative medical services for the Amarnath Yatra, including the unique 'Pony Ambulance'. Over 250 doctors operate across well-equipped base hospitals to ensure the wellness of pilgrims. A National Review Meeting was held to streamline these health measures.

Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra emphasized the deployment of a dedicated team of doctors from various AIIMS and Central Government Hospitals to Yatra Medical Camps and base hospitals, ensuring top-notch medical services for Amarnath pilgrims. A notable innovation this year is the 'Pony Ambulance' service, where ponies equipped with Oxygen cylinders follow the Yatra track to aid pilgrims facing breathing issues.

Chandra, speaking to ANI, reviewed preparedness along with Jammu and Kashmir officials, confirming well-equipped hospitals at base camps like Chandanwari and Baltal. 'Nearly 250 doctors have been made available by the Central government, with state governments also contributing to these bases. Doctors operate on a 20-day rotation, with 1000-2000 outpatient departments (OPDs) functional daily,' Chandra stated.

Oxygen supply, a critical concern due to the high altitude and the age of most pilgrims, has seen significant enhancements. The state's innovative 'Pitthu-ambulance' has been lauded for ensuring accessibility to Oxygen. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been crucial in supplementing Directorate of Health Services Kashmir to establish medical camps, reflecting Supreme Court directives on medical facilities every two kilometers along the route.

In 2023, under the leadership of L Swasticharan from EMR, a team assessed the on-ground medical facilities, ensuring they met required standards. Prioritizing seamless coordination between states, the first National Level Review Meeting for the Amarnath Yatra was held in Srinagar to enhance future healthcare provisions.

This collaborative effort included representatives from 12 States or UTs, AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and other government institutions. The meeting aimed at addressing challenges and improving coordination for the Yatra. Health worker deputation from 12 States or UTs and 16 institutions is being conducted in shifts to ensure continuous medical support.

New semipermanent structures for base hospitals have been established at Baltal and Chandanwari with ONGC CSR support, enhancing emergency preparedness. A real-time data collection module via the NCDC portal will also aid in monitoring and improving health facilities. A high-altitude medicine training module with compulsory e-certification for deployed staff is also being developed to ensure better readiness.

The continuous monitoring of the Yatra by the EMR Division and the Directorate of Health Services in Kashmir highlights the thorough measures being taken for the well-being of Amarnath pilgrims. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)