New Delhi: Amid the ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan, the Union Health Minister J P Nadda chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness of health systems in dealing with emergency situations in the country.
Chairing the high-level meeting the Health Minister directed that, “a 24×7 control and command centre in the Ministry should monitor ongoing efforts and all medical emergency response health systems in the country should be adequately equipped and functional at all times.”
He also directed to ensure, “ground level linkages with all state governments particularly at the district levels, especially border states, be effectively established to ensure immediate emergency healthcare, if required.”
As per the ministry during the meeting the Union Health Secretary apprised the minister over the current status of medical preparedness for handling emergency cases and the actions taken including adequate supply of medicines, blood vials, deployment of ambulances, availability of of beds, ICU and HDU.
Additionally, hospitals and medical institutions across the country have been advised to ensure availability of essential drugs, supply of blood, oxygen, trauma care kits etc. AIIMS New Delhi and other central government hospitals have mobilised doctors and nurses with supplies for ready deployment
For ensuring effective response nationwide mock drills for disaster preparedness have been conducted at AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER and other premier hospitals.
The meeting has been conducted against the backdrop of an ongoing standoff between Indian and Pakistan, escalated after a terrorist attack in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which resulted in the death of 26 individuals—25 tourists and one local.
