Srinagar: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess and strengthen healthcare arrangements for the forthcoming holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram.
The meeting reviewed the preparedness of the Health Department to ensure uninterrupted medical services for devotees participating in Muharram processions and gatherings across the Union Territory.
Among those present were Sajjad Shafi, Saifuddin Bhat, Shafi Ahmad Wani, Tanvir Sadiq and Ahsan Pardesi, besides senior health officials, medical college principals and district health officers.
Addressing the meeting, the Minister emphasised the need for a coordinated and proactive approach to provide prompt healthcare services at all designated congregation points and procession routes.
She directed the administrations of SKIMS, JVC Hospital, SMHS Hospital and other major healthcare institutions to establish medical camps for the convenience of mourners during the observance period.
Sakeena Itoo instructed officers to set up round-the-clock medical camps at identified locations and ensure the availability of specialist doctors, paramedical staff and life-saving medicines. She also called for strengthening emergency preparedness in hospitals to effectively respond to any unforeseen situation.
The Minister directed officials to keep ambulances on alert and ensure their strategic deployment so that patients can be shifted to healthcare facilities without delay. She also asked officers to create public awareness regarding the availability of ambulance services at designated locations.
She further directed the Health Department to deploy adequate medical teams, emergency response units and essential medicines at key locations and ensure that hospitals situated along major procession routes remain fully equipped to handle any medical exigency.
Highlighting the importance of public safety and convenience, Itoo stressed the need for close coordination between the Health Department, district administrations and other line departments for effective implementation of healthcare arrangements.
The Minister also called for maintaining adequate stocks of essential medicines, blood supplies and emergency medical equipment in major healthcare institutions and directed officials to regularly monitor arrangements and address any gaps well in advance.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to facilitating the smooth and peaceful observance of Muharram-ul-Haram, Sakeena Itoo said every possible effort would be made to provide quality healthcare services and ensure the well-being of devotees.
During the meeting, legislators also raised various issues related to Muharram arrangements and sought seamless healthcare facilities for mourners and devotees.
