India-Pakistan Tensions: Health Minister Reviews Emergency Preparedness and Medical Readiness

Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, Union health minister J P Nadda chaired a high-level meeting to review emergency health systems preparedness.

The ministry has directed that a 24x7 control and command centre in the ministry should monitor ongoing efforts and support states in the present times

In a meeting held today with the senior officers of the health ministry, Nadda reviewed the current status of medical preparedness for handling emergency cases.


“He was apprised of the actions taken regarding deployment of ambulances; ensuring adequate availability of medical supplies including equipment, medicines, supply of blood vials and consumables; hospital readiness in terms of beds, ICU and HDU; deployment of BHISHM Cubes, advanced mobile trauma care units etc,” the ministry said in a statement.

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Hospitals and medical institutions have been asked to ensure availability of essential drugs, adequate 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. They have been advised to coordinate with state and district administration, armed forces and regional associations of doctors, nurses, paramedics, private sector hospitals, charitable institutions etc., to strengthen the emergency response networks in a collaborative manner,” it further said.

Additionally, nationwide mock drills for disaster preparedness have been conducted premier hospitals like AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER and others.

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For capacity building in emergency healthcare, additional training modules for CPR, first aid, and basic life support are being rolled out with support from Indian Red Cross Society, National Institute of Health & Family Welfare (NIHFW), AIIMS New Delhi.

The Union Health Secretary has so far held series of meetings with states/UTs, and central government hospitals and healthcare institutes for seamless coordination with relevant stakeholders at the centre and within the states for ensuring effective response.

Union Health Minister also directed to ensure that all medical emergency response health systems be adequately equipped and functional at all times.

He asked to ensure that 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.