SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, has stated that the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Sonamarg does not meet the criteria for full-scale upgradation under the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS)-2022 norms. However, the facility is temporarily enhanced during the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra to cater to the increased demand.
Responding to a query by legislator Mian Mehar Ali regarding the upgradation of PHC Sonamarg, the Minister emphasised that while the health centre remains a 10-bedded facility with a minor operation theatre, general ward, labour room, and laboratory section, it functions primarily as an en-route healthcare unit for the yatra and local population.
She highlighted that during peak tourist periods, particularly during the Amarnath pilgrimage, additional manpower and infrastructure are deployed to reinforce healthcare services. A semi-permanent 100-bedded hospital has also been developed at Baltal under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to address medical emergencies.
The Minister further stated that the department has implemented a robust mechanism to ensure round-the-clock healthcare by deploying additional medical staff, advanced machinery, and drug supplies during the yatra season.
