Hospitals in Uri, Nowgam, Karnah, Keran put on high alert: Dir Health
The Government of India (GoI) has asked the State’s Health Department to be ready for war in view of escalation of tension between India and Pakistan along Line of Control (LoC). Reportedly all health institutions and authorities have received specific instructions and communication from Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to take necessary steps to be prepared for any eventuality in case of military action. The communication has been sent following the alert issued by Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Defense Ministry after India’s ‘surgical strikes’ across LoC.
“Further escalation in tension would pose risks to human lives. We may need extra space and effort to save those who will come under attack by border shelling or firing,” said a senior official. He said the government was closely watching the situation. Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman said that fresh instructions have been issued to in charge of various hospitals to handle the situation in case of escalation of violence. “Hospitals in Uri, Nowgam, Karnah and Keran areas have been put on high alert and fresh manpower sent there to handle any eventualities,” he said.
The health department has also issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to hospitals to deal with any untoward situation. “The ambulance services have chalked out plans to deal with emergency situations in collaboration with police and other agencies. Besides, doctors and paramedical staff have been directed to ensure their presence at hospitals,” Saleem said. The SKIMS Soura and associated hospitals of Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar have also been put on high alert to cater to any possible medical emergencies arising out of war.
The hospitals have been strictly directed to ensure the availability of manpower and medicines to deal with any war-like situation.
“We were already in a situation of emergency and alert since July 9. Now we have re-looked our preparedness and stock position of medicines and consumables after the general alert was issued by the government,” said Dr Kaiser Ahmad, Principal GMC, Srinagar.
He said authorities have also identified safe and spacious buildings close to hospital to cater the rush of injured, in case war breaks out “We have also started a coordination mechanism with Directorate of Health Services to handle the emergency situation,” added Kaiser.