Srinagar, Jun 20: Director SKIMS and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government (EOSG) Prof M Ashraf Ganie, Saturday chaired a comprehensive review meeting with faculty members and administrative heads of various departments to assess the preparedness of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.
A statement of the SKIMS issued here said that suring the meeting, Director SKIMS emphasised the need for seamless inter-departmental coordination to ensure prompt, efficient and patient-centric healthcare services for pilgrims requiring medical attention during the yatra.
He directed all concerned departments to maintain readiness of critical care facilities, emergency services, essential medicines, logistics and manpower to effectively respond to any medical exigency.
Highlighting the importance of leveraging technology in healthcare delivery, Prof Ashraf stressed the availability and operationalisation of an advanced Remote Patient Monitoring System to facilitate real-time monitoring of critically ill patients.
He noted that such technology-driven interventions can significantly improve clinical outcomes and help minimize mortality and morbidity among patients requiring specialised care.
The Director further underscored the importance of systematic data collection and scientific documentation during the Yatra.
He said that the data generated would contribute towards evidence-based policy making and improved healthcare planning in coordination with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and other stakeholders.
Referring to research conducted by SKIMS and published in the Indian Heart Journal and other reputed national journals, Prof Ganie reiterated the importance of comprehensive medical screening of pilgrims prior to undertaking the yatra.
He emphasised that proper pre-Yatra health assessment remains one of the most effective measures for preventing medical emergencies and ensuring a safe pilgrimage experience.
The meeting was informed that the designated Nodal Officer for Amarnath Yatra at SKIMS, in coordination with the Medical Superintendent, shall ensure the availability of all required logistics, medicines, emergency services and support infrastructure as per established protocols.
Comprehensive arrangements including dedicated security support, transport facilities, implementation of duty rosters, helipad readiness, critical care management and emergency response mechanisms have been put in place.
These services will be coordinated through a dedicated Command Centre established at the Casualty Department, which will function as the central coordination hub during the yatra period.
To strengthen specialist medical support, SKIMS will operationalise a 24×7 Telemedicine Consultation Facility, enabling senior consultants from various specialties to provide real-time expert guidance and coordinate with Yatra Base Medical Centres for prompt clinical decision-making and patient management.
Prof Ganie directed all designated service areas to maintain the highest standards of preparedness and responsiveness. He emphasised that the Telemedicine Centre, functioning as the nerve centre of the healthcare support system, should facilitate round-the-clock consultations and ensure seamless coordination for effective patient care throughout the Amarnath Yatra.
