Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reviews health facilities and assures support to J&K
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, has taken the initiative to ensure the provision of top-notch health services and facilities for the devotees undertaking the Amarnath Yatra. In a recent review meeting, Dr. Mandaviya directed officials to extend full support to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in providing necessary medical care and services for the pilgrims.
To address the unique geoclimatic challenges of the Amarnath Yatra, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with the J&K government to anticipate and enhance healthcare requirements. Two 100-bedded hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari have been established, fully funded and supported by the Ministry of Health. These hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including lab facilities, radiology services, gynecological units, ICUs, and hyperbaric oxygen chambers. The hospitals will operate round-the-clock and will be manned by specialist doctors, ensuring prompt and efficient medical care.
Union Health Minister Assures Best Health Services for Amarnath Yatra Devotees
In addition to the hospitals, a dedicated team of healthcare workers has been deputed for the pilgrimage. These healthcare professionals, selected from 11 states/UTs and central government hospitals, will be deployed in four shifts to ensure continuous medical support. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in coordination with the UT administration, is providing capacity building training to these doctors and paramedics on managing high-altitude sickness and emergencies.
For better emergency preparedness and surveillance, a web-enabled real-time data collection module is being developed through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) – Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). This will enable the authorities to monitor and respond to health-related issues effectively.
The Health Ministry has also developed advisories to enhance pilgrims’ awareness, including Do’s and Don’ts, and prepared standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the medical management of high-altitude emergencies.
With these comprehensive measures in place, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are committed to ensuring the well-being and safety of all Amarnath Yatra devotees.
