Dedicated team of doctors deployed for Amarnath pilgrims: Health Secretary
New Delhi, July 14
Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra said a dedicated team of doctors from several AIIMS and other Central government hospitals have been deployed in the Amarnath yatra medical camps and at base hospitals to ensure the best medical services to the pilgrims.
Chandra highlighted the unique ‘Pony Ambulance’ service that has been introduced this year wherein ponies carry oxygen cylinders on their back and continuously move along the yatra track to address any exigency arising due to troubled breathing and related health issues.
“… I went to the region to review the preparedness along with Jammu and Kashmir government officials… Well-equipped hospitals have been set up at the base camps. There is a 100-bed base camp hospital in Chandanwari, Baltal and other camps as well…,” Chandra said while talking about the health arrangements made by the government during the Amarnath Yatra.
“Nearly 250 doctors have been made available by the Central government, and state governments have also made doctors available for the base hospital facilities. Doctors stay there on a rotation basis of 20 days…1000-2000 OPDs are operational in a day…,” he added.
Speaking about facilities for oxygen supply during the yatra, Chandra said, “Lack of oxygen is the main issue here and since most pilgrims are old, a good arrangement of oxygen has been made to cater to any kind of emergency. Pitthu-ambulance is a new initiative of the state government and is applaudible…” With the Amarnath Yatra underway, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been supporting the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, in supplementing the staff required for establishing medical camps and capacity building of the manpower, particularly for dealing with high altitude emergencies.
This year, DHS Kashmir with the support of ONGC CSR support has established semi-permanent structures at Baltal and Chandanwari for establishing base hospitals, which include the accommodation facilities of staff deputed for yatra as well.
