New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Indian government has intensified its emergency healthcare preparedness. On Friday, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda convened a high-level meeting to assess the readiness of the country’s medical infrastructure. Officials provided detailed updates on ambulance deployment, availability of medical supplies, trauma care preparedness, and hospital capacity including ICU and HDU readiness.
The move comes in the aftermath of a brutal attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor earlier this week. The heightened alert has prompted urgent action across the healthcare sector.
In a formal statement, the Health Ministry emphasized that all major hospitals and medical institutions have been instructed to maintain essential supplies such as life-saving drugs, oxygen cylinders, blood units, and trauma kits. AIIMS Delhi and other central hospitals have mobilized doctors and nurses along with critical supplies, ready for immediate deployment. These institutions have been asked to coordinate closely with state and district health departments, military medical units, private hospitals, and voluntary organizations to create a unified emergency response system.
Minister Nadda was briefed on several key aspects, including the operational status of advanced mobile trauma care units and the deployment of BHISHM cubes—a compact and portable emergency aid system equipped with essential medical tools designed for quick response in crisis situations.
To further strengthen preparedness, national-level mock drills have been carried out at AIIMS, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER Puducherry, and other prominent hospitals. Additionally, new training programs are being introduced for CPR, first aid, and basic life support in partnership with the Indian Red Cross Society, NIHFW, iGOT, and AIIMS.
The Union Health Secretary shared updates on ongoing coordination efforts involving state governments, Union Territories, and central agencies to ensure streamlined collaboration in managing any potential medical emergencies.
Minister Nadda instructed officials to guarantee full functionality of all emergency healthcare systems. He also emphasized the importance of robust coordination with state governments, especially in border regions, to ensure rapid healthcare deployment if required.
To maintain round-the-clock vigilance, a 24/7 command and control center has been established at the Health Ministry to monitor developments and offer support to states. In a decisive administrative move, all leaves of ministry officials have been revoked until further notice. AIIMS’ Apex Trauma Centre has issued a similar order, mandating all personnel on leave to report back immediately.
