Shri Amarnath Yatra
* 2 lakh people avail healthcare facilities
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 19: As the 52-day long Amarnath Yatra concluded, health authorities today said that over 200,000 OPD patients were recorded along the Pahalgam and Baltal axis of the pilgrimage route, noting a significant decrease in cardiac events this year.
Officials reported that approximately 3,807 patients were treated for injuries, and 26,918 patients underwent various diagnostic tests, including laboratory tests, X-rays, ECGs, and ultrasounds.
“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 admitted for short stays, mainly receiving supplemental oxygen therapy due to symptoms of High Altitude Disease, along with basic day care medical services,” officials said.
They emphasized that through meticulous planning, targeted skill-based training, and the deployment of advanced medical facilities, the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK), significantly reduced the mortality rate.
“There has been a considerable decrease in cardiac events as the directorate has been augmenting the human resources, drugs, and logistics with trained staff,” DHSK stated.
On this occasion, the Director of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK), Dr. Jehangir Bakshi, conducted a review with the Yatra Unit DHSK and was briefed on the summary, cumulative work done, and significant milestones achieved.
The Director highlighted that under the guidance of the Secretary of Health & Medical Education Department, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, and with the support of both UT and Central Administration, DHSK played a crucial role in providing efficient healthcare services to the pilgrims.
Officials noted that early intervention in managing high-altitude illness, through timely admission at Base Camp Hospitals equipped with an Oxygen Manifold System and all necessary advanced equipment and medications, contributed to the effective delivery of healthcare.
It is pertinent to mention that DHSK established 55 medical stations along the pilgrimage route, comprising six Base Hospitals (BHs), including 100-bedded hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari, Medical Aid Centres (MACs), and Emergency Aid Centres (EACs), to ensure comprehensive healthcare support.
Sharing further details, officials said that a total of 1,415 staff members were deployed for Yatra duties in three shifts, including 173 specialists-cardiologists, respiratory physicians, physicians, orthopedicians, general surgeons-244 medical officers, and 998 paramedical staff.
“Of the total required staff, 754 were deputed by the Directorate, and 661 medical staff were deputed by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.”
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