Jammu: Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Saugat Biswas on Tuesday reviewed winter preparedness and contingency arrangements in healthcare institutions across Jammu and Kashmir, with particular focus on remote and snowbound areas.
Chairing a meeting attended by divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, health department heads and principals of government medical colleges, Biswas assessed the availability of medical facilities and emergency services in vulnerable areas.
The review covered districts in the Jammu division, including Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban and Kathua, as well as snowbound and remote areas of Kashmir, particularly Gurez in Bandipora, Tangdhar and Teetwal in Kupwara and the upper reaches of Baramulla.
Biswas directed Directors of Health Services, Chief Medical Officers and Block Medical Officers to identify vulnerable and high-risk populations, particularly pregnant women, and maintain updated records to facilitate timely medical intervention and evacuation during emergencies.
He asked the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) and both Directors of Health Services to ensure adequate stocks of essential medicines, functional ambulances, including four-wheel-drive vehicles for difficult terrain, and proper heating arrangements in healthcare institutions.
To address emergencies in inaccessible areas during adverse weather, the divisional commissioners were asked to coordinate with the Civil Aviation Department to facilitate the airlifting of patients wherever required.
Biswas also directed heads of departments, principals of government medical colleges and district-level officers to maintain close coordination and ensure timely implementation of winter preparedness measures.
He stressed that all necessary arrangements should be in place to ensure uninterrupted and accessible healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir during the winter months.
