The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir demonstrated its commitment to providing uninterrupted healthcare services despite harsh winter conditions. Divisional-level officers were deployed to various districts across the Kashmir division to assess the preparedness cum arrangements of health facilities to tackle challenges arising from inclement weather.
Director Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Dr Jehangir Bakshi in advance had instructed Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and other district health administrators to coordinate with the District Administration to ensure that all approach roads leading to health facilities are promptly cleared of snow. Additionally, CMOs were directed to guarantee the availability of all the staff as per roster, drugs and functional heating arrangements in all healthcare facilities so to provide uninterrupted services to patients.Dedicated Control Rooms at Divisional and District level have been constituted for hassle free health care services keeping the inclement weather conditions into consideration.
DHSK personally monitored and supervised various peripheral hospitals to take stock of health care services and was in continuous touch with all district health care administrators who too were monitoring the health care centres falling under their administrative control
Uninterrupted Healthcare Services and Key Achievements
Despite adverse weather conditions, healthcare facilities across the division provided seamless services. Over 23,782 patients were attended to in Outpatient Departments (OPDs), while 1,019 admissions were recorded. In terms of surgeries, 40 major and 313 minor procedures were successfully conducted. Maternal health services also remained uninterrupted, with 37 normal deliveries and 39 lower-segment caesarean sections (LSCS) performed.Critical healthcare services such as dialysis sessions and diagnostic tests continued unaffecte.14,541 laboratory tests were conducted and imaging services like USG (852), X-ray (1,322), ECG (1,105), and CT scans (53) were conducted efficiently.
Furthermore, 62 patients requiring advanced care were referred to higher centers. These figures highlight the department’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare across the Kashmir division.
Timely Interventions Amid Adversities
The Directorate highlighted several critical cases managed successfully during the harsh weather.
In peripheral hospitals of District Baramulla, five myocardial infarction (MI) cases were reported during the nights of December 27th and 28th. Despite heavy snowfall, medical teams promptly diagnosed, treated, and referred these patients to higher centres for advanced care. The timely and skilful interventions by the healthcare teams underscored their preparedness and dedication.
In District Kulgam, a medical team from DH Pora rescued an 8-month pregnant woman stranded due to snow-blocked roads in Dangerpora Chimmer, Khull. Under the direct supervision of the Chief Medical Officer Kulgam, the team utilized a 4×4 Scorpio ambulance equipped for snow-covered terrain to transport the patient safely to Sub-District Hospital DH Pora. The swift response ensured that she received critical care without delay.
DHSK commended the efforts of the all healthcare administrators and workers of Kashmir Division and reiterated the importance of ensuring operational readiness at all level.
