JUNE 23: In a significant step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims during the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025, Dr. Abid Rasheed, Secretary of Health & Medical Education, conducted a detailed review of the medical preparedness along the Pahalgam axis. His visit included inspections of vital healthcare points, notably the Nunwan Base Camp, Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Pahalgam, and the 100-bedded Base Hospital at Chandanwari.
The review aimed to assess infrastructure readiness, availability of critical medical supplies, emergency protocols, and manpower deployment in view of the massive footfall anticipated during the annual yatra. Dr. Rasheed emphasized the importance of round-the-clock medical coverage to cater to the influx of devotees traversing the challenging Himalayan terrain.
During his visit, he instructed health officials to ensure robust deployment of medical staff, including specialists and paramedics, across all key points along the yatra route. He also stressed on strengthening emergency response systems, equipping facilities with life-saving drugs, oxygen support, and efficient referral linkages to higher medical centers for critical cases.
“The Shri Amarnathji Yatra is not just a spiritual journey but a massive logistical undertaking,” Dr. Rasheed remarked. “Our primary goal is to provide uninterrupted, high-quality healthcare to every pilgrim, from base camps to the holy cave. A well-coordinated medical response is non-negotiable.”
Inspecting on-ground facilities, he reviewed sanitation measures, patient flow systems, availability of ambulances, and mobile health units. He directed authorities to conduct regular mock drills and maintain close coordination with civil administration, police, and disaster response teams to ensure synergy.
Dr. Rasheed also interacted with local health officials and stakeholders, urging them to adopt a proactive approach in dealing with emergencies, especially altitude-related illnesses, cardiac events, and injuries. He reassured that necessary resources—both human and technical—would be made available in advance.
The inspection concluded with directives for immediate redressal of any gaps in service delivery or infrastructure, ensuring pilgrims can undertake the yatra with confidence and adequate health security.
As preparations intensify for Amarnath Yatra 2025, the focus remains on safety, accessibility, and rapid medical response—a commitment reiterated by the Health Secretary during his field review.
