Srinagar, Aug 19: Directorate of Health Services Kashmir provided medical help to over 2 lakh patients on both Pahalgam and Baltal axis.
Through meticulous planning, skill-based targeted training, and the deployment of advanced medical facilities, the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir has significantly reduced the mortality rate also. This accomplishment underscores the department’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.
Director Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK) Dr. Jehangir Bakshi on this occasion today took a review with Yatra Unit DHSK and was briefed about the summary, cumulative work done, and significant milestones achieved. On this occasion, DHSK emphasized that under the able guidance of the Secretary of Health & Medical Education Department, UT J&K Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, and overall support from UT & Central Administration, the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir played a significant role in providing efficient health care services to the pilgrims. He also complimented the Health Care Management and manpower deployed from outside and within the UT for providing healthcare services during the Yatra period.
The patients seen by the health centers included yatris, service providers, personnel from other departments, security personnel, and others. More than 17,000 people were recorded under short-stay admissions which mainly availed supplemental oxygen therapy due to symptoms of High Altitude Disease along with basic daycare medical services. Around 3807 patients were treated for injuries.26,918 patients underwent various diagnostic tests which included Lab. Tests, X-rays, ECG, USGs, etc. There has been a considerable decrease in cardiac events as the directorate has been augmenting the Human Resources, Drugs, and Logistics with trained staff. In addition to this early intervention in managing patients of high altitude illness with timely admission at Base Camp Hospitals equipped with Oxygen Manifold Systems and all necessary advanced equipment and medications has contributed to the deliverance of effective health care. In addition to it availability of mobile on-track pony ambulances, visual screening at the entry gates from both Axis and IEC efforts by the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir were put in place to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
It is pertinent to mention that the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir had established 55 medical stations along the pilgrimage route, comprising 06 Base Hospitals (BHs) which included 100 Beded Hospital at Baltal and Chandanwari, Medical Aid Centres (MACs), Emergency Aid Centres (EACs) to ensure comprehensive healthcare support. Twenty-six strategically placed oxygen booths along the route ensured continuous access to supplemental oxygen for pilgrims, particularly at high-altitude locations All Base hospitals namely Baltal, Holy Cave, Lower Holy Cave, Panjtarni, Sheshnag, and Chandanwari had been equipped with advanced ICU facilities. In addition, advanced equipment like Automatic Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation Machines (CPRs), Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), ventilators, infusion pumps, beds, Portable X-ray machines, and other essential medical equipment were operationalized. Strategic placement of facilities such as Liquid Oxygen tanks, Bulk Oxygen Cylinders, Medium Oxygen Cylinders, and Oxygen Concentrators at various base hospitals ensured adequate oxygen availability. The bed strength along the pilgrimage route had been significantly increased by 316 beds. This expansion ensured that pilgrims had access to adequate medical care. Thirteen dedicated ambulances, including critical care units, along with 25 standby ambulances ensured swift emergency response services throughout the pilgrimage route. All medical personnel deployed for the yatra were trained in high-altitude emergency medicine to proficiently manage altitude-related health issues and emergencies. Telemedicine unit services were reinstated to facilitate remote medical consultation and support, leveraging technology to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency. A total of 1415 staff members were deployed for Yatra duties in three shifts including 173 Specialists (cardiologists, respiratory physicians, physicians, orthopaedicians, general surgeons), 244 Medical Officers & 998 Paramedical staff. Out of the total requirement, 754 staff were deputed from the Directorate and 661 medical staff were deputed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
