ANANTNAG: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo on Monday visited Pahalgam and chaired a review meeting on medical preparedness and other arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 (SANJY) at Pahalgam Club.
MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Wani, Director SKIMS, Principal GMC Anantnag, Director Health Services Kashmir, Managing Director JKMSCL, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, senior officers from PHE, KPDCL and various departments attended the meeting.
The Minister reviewed healthcare, logistical and other arrangements being put in place by different departments for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
Addressing officers, Sakeena Itoo stressed the importance of robust medical facilities along the Yatra route, including transit camps and other key locations. She directed the Health Department to ensure the best possible healthcare facilities for pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage period.
The Minister also reviewed arrangements related to drinking water and power supply, transport, sanitation, road connectivity, telecommunication facilities and the availability of essential commodities.
She laid special emphasis on transport management and sanitation, including post-Yatra arrangements, and called for the upgradation of facilities wherever required. She also directed officials to keep contingency plans ready for immediate implementation in case of emergencies.
Sakeena Itoo urged officers to ensure warm hospitality and all possible assistance for pilgrims so that they have a pleasant and enriching experience during the sacred journey.
During the meeting, Director Health Services Kashmir briefed the Minister on healthcare arrangements for both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. He informed that hospitals, advanced and critical care units, specialist doctors trained in high-altitude healthcare, ambulances, medicines and other logistics have been planned and put in place.
Following the meeting, several public delegations and representatives of various associations called on the Minister and raised issues and concerns related to their areas.
The Minister assured them that their genuine issues would be addressed in a time-bound manner.
Later, Sakeena Itoo visited Government Hospital Pahalgam to review its functioning and preparedness for the Yatra. She inspected various sections of the hospital and directed officials to ensure the availability of quality healthcare facilities for pilgrims and local residents.
