SRINAGAR: Hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir are on high alert following intense cross-border shelling that has resulted in over a dozen civilian deaths and injured approximately 100 others along the Line of Control (LoC). Health authorities have confirmed that the region’s medical infrastructure is fully prepared to manage any further escalation of the conflict.
An official from the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department informed that essential facilities have been activated in eight districts—three in Kashmir and five in Jammu—deemed most vulnerable to injuries.
The Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Jammu, one of the region’s leading healthcare institutions, declared its readiness to address medical emergencies arising from the ongoing border tensions. “We are equipped to respond to any situation. Mini ICUs with ventilators and monitors are operational, and we have sufficient stocks of medicines,” said an official at GMC Jammu. The hospital has prepared more than 200 beds, with medical teams and support staff on standby around the clock for those affected by shelling incidents.
Authorities have issued alerts to health facilities in border districts such as Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua, and Samba, as well as to hospitals across north Kashmir, urging them to maintain vigilance and ensure preparedness. In addition to ensuring that adequate stocks of medicines are available, hospitals report that their blood banks are well-stocked, and volunteers have been called upon to donate blood voluntarily to maintain reserve supplies in case of emergencies.
The shelling, which began early Wednesday, was reportedly a retaliatory strike by Indian forces targeting nine sites in Pakistan. This military action was taken in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in 26 civilian deaths. Poonch district has been the most affected by Wednesday’s shelling, with many homes damaged and residents relocating to safer areas.
Health authorities assured the public that every measure has been taken to ensure efficient patient management. “From blood banks to trauma units, everything is ready. We have coordinated with district hospitals to handle emergencies promptly,” officials said.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration continues to monitor the border situation closely amidst fears of further escalation and has urged residents in vulnerable areas to follow safety advisories and cooperate with emergency services. (KNO)
