8,000 injuries treated with 29,000 investigations in 62 days
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Sept 4: As the 62-day-long Annual Amarnath Yatra came to a successful close on August 31, authorities reported today a staggering 2.5 lakh patient visits to healthcare facilities established by the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK) during the pilgrimage. Additionally, more than 29 thousand medical investigations, including X-rays, ECGs, and laboratory tests, were conducted throughout the Yatra.
According to officials who provided details related to the work done during the Yatra period, until August 31-marking the end of the pilgrimage-more than 2.5 lakh patient visits were reported in DHSK facilities, while a total of 1,291 patients were admitted, with over 8 thousand minor and major injuries treated during the two months.
“During this time, apart from admissions and other treatments, more than 29 thousand X-rays, ECGs, and lab investigations were also conducted at the DHSK facilities,” officials informed Excelsior.
Furthermore, officials underscored that 14 myocardial infarctions were thrombolysed, in addition to the treatment of other medical emergencies, including seizure disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, severe COPD/ILD, arrhythmias, and Coronary Artery Diseases, which were also provided to the pilgrims.
“A total of 257 patients were referred to higher centres, while 34 patient transports and 9 Critical Care ambulances were dedicated for Yatra purposes and stationed in the areas of Baltal and Pahalgam,” officials reported.
Moreover, officials stated that 76 ambulances were kept in a ready mode at on-route facilities, and Direct Air referrals were ensured with facilities in place from Panjtarni, Sheshnag, and other locations to SKIMS Soura.
During the Yatra period, officials informed that 1,445 healthcare personnel were deployed in three batches. Of these, they said, 647 were deployed from various institutions of the Government of India, as well as various other states.
“Additionally, 798 personnel were deployed from J&K, working in three shifts, including 154 specialists, 280 Medical Officers, and 1,011 Paramedics and Support Staff,” officials added.
Officials also highlighted efforts to ensure adequate oxygen availability, including Liquid Oxygen reserves of 5000 kilolitres at Baltal and Chandanwari, 520 Bulk Oxygen Cylinders at all Base Hospitals, 980 Medium Oxygen Cylinders, and 620 Oxygen Concentrators.
To facilitate patient care, officials stated that Arterial Blood Gases and Trop T investigation facilities were made available at all Base Hospitals during the Yatra period.
Medical facilities for the pilgrims were established at 70 sites, including 55 sites dedicated solely to Yatra purposes. These included 6 Base hospitals, each with 100 beds, at Baltal and Chandanwari, where specialists, including Cardiologists and Pulmonary Physicians, were deputed. Pony Ambulances were also made available along the route via Baltal and Pahalgam.
To ensure effective and timely patient care, authorities informed that Oxygen Manifold Systems, ventilators, and Critical Care facilities were made available at all Base Hospitals, resulting in improved patient management throughout the Yatra days.
“This year, the capacity of all Base Hospitals was increased, with 140 beds added at Base Hospital Baltal and Chandanwari by DRDO. This means that a total of 316 clinical beds were established at High Altitude sites,” officials detailed.
In addition to the increased bed capacity, officials informed that 500 residential beds were also established, including 27 prefabricated insulated structures and 7 other semi-permanent structures, each with a capacity of 16 beds. “Additionally, more than 130 tents were set up to enhance healthcare facilities for pilgrims.”
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