SRINAGAR, June 16: The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today said that Jammu and Kashmir is facing a shortage of consultant doctors.Earlier, chairing a high-level meeting of the Health Department officials, the Minister was briefed by the Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Jahangir Bakshi, about the overall medical strategy for smooth conduct of SANJY-2025.
He provided an overview of the healthcare arrangements being put in place along the Baltal route, which include deployment of medical staff, availability of life-saving medicines, ambulances, oxygen booths, and accommodation for healthcare personnel.
It was informed that 30 Medical Stations, comprising Base Hospitals, Medical Aid Camps, and Emergency Aid Centres, have been established at key locations along the Baltal axis.
Emphasizing the importance of readiness, the Health Minister directed the health authorities to ensure that all medical arrangements are in place well before the commencement of the Yatra. “There shall be no compromise on the safety and healthcare of the yatris,” she stated.
Later, the Minister visited the Baltal Base Camp Hospital, where she inspected the arrangements and interacted with the on-ground staff.
She directed officials to ensure round-the-clock availability of doctors, paramedical staff, and other healthcare professionals and emphasized that uninterrupted medical services must be ensured for the welfare of the pilgrims.
