Mandaviya reviews provisioning of health services for Amarnath Yatra

Ahead of Amarnath Yatra which is scheduled to commence from July 1 and will continue till August 31, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday reviewed the provisioning of health services for devotees with Directorate General of Health Services officials here.

The minister directed the officials to support the Union Territory administration to ensure that the pilgrims are provided the required health facilities and medical services so that they are in good physical condition to undertake the journey.

The health ministry is assisting the Union Territory administration with healthcare arrangements on the directions of the minister to enhance and anticipate adequate requirements. The ministry has set up medical facilities at the base camp and along the route with the required infrastructure.

The ministry has funded and supported the establishment of two 100-bed hospitals by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at two axis routes — Baltal and Chandanwari. These hospitals will include the accommodation facility for the staff deputed for the yatra.  These 24×7 hospitals will have diagnosis and treatment facilities, including laboratory, radio diagnosis, gynaecological, ICUs and hyperbaric oxygen chambers.

The hospitals will be manned by specialist doctors and include an independent trauma unit. The Directorate General of Health Services has also taken up deputation of healthcare workers by soliciting nominations from 11 states and Union Territories and central government hospitals.