Health Ministry to set up 24x7 emergency care war room

Amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, Union health minister JP Nadda chaired a meeting with senior officials on Friday to review emergency health systems preparedness.

The ministry has directed that an internal round-the-clock control and command centre monitor ongoing efforts and support states. "He (Nadda) 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.



Hospitals and medical institutions have been asked to ensure availability of essential drugs, adequate supply of blood, oxygen and trauma care kits, among others.



"AIIMS New Delhi and other central government hospitals have mobilised doctors and nurses with supplies for ready deployment," the ministry said. "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."