In response to the recent cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, the Uttarakhand government has placed its healthcare system on high alert and cancelled all doctors’ leaves to ensure preparedness for any emergency. The move follows India’s airstrikes in Pakistan and the latter’s retaliatory attempts, prompting heightened security across the country.
State prepares hospitals for emergency care
State Health Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar confirmed that the government has reviewed the current healthcare infrastructure, stating that approximately 13,000 beds are available in government facilities. He emphasized that the steps being taken are precautionary and aimed at readiness, not panic. “We are diligently assessing ICU facilities, ventilator availability, and also gauging resources in the private sector,” he said.
Hospitals across the state have been instructed to paint red crosses on their rooftops to clearly mark them as medical establishments. At the Government Doon Medical College and Hospital, officials said that protocols are in place. Dr. Ravindra Bisht, Additional Director of Medical Education, stated that leaves have been revoked, staff are either present or on standby, blood banks are well-stocked, and emergency power systems have been checked and readied. A specific ward with 30 beds has been designated for emergencies, and ICU capacity has been increased from 80 to 100 beds.
Security concerns trigger high-level meetings
Following a virtual meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a high-level review with top state officials at his residence. Pushkar Singh Dhami stressed the importance of tightened security along the state’s international borders and enhanced vigilance in frontier districts like Uttarkashi and Chamoli (bordering China), and Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar (bordering Nepal). Pithoragarh shares borders with both China and Nepal.
The CM also directed security measures to be reinforced along the Char Dham Yatra routes, which are currently witnessing heavy pilgrim turnout. Authorities were asked to maintain strict surveillance near major infrastructure such as dams and power plants. Uttarakhand’s healthcare network includes 13 district hospitals, 21 sub-district hospitals, 79 community health centres, and 578 primary health centres, all of which have been instructed to remain on alert and ensure seamless coordination in case of any exigency.
