Prioritizing Healthcare Facilities for Snow-Bound areas
Nazim Ali Manhas
Poonch,TDD,In a proactive measure to enhance healthcare services during the winter months, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan conducted a surprise visit to health institutions in snow-bound areas of Poonch. This initiative was carried out under the direction of Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal IAS and the supervision of Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Mangotra.
The visit focused on ensuring that health facilities are adequately prepared to serve the public, specifically addressing the availability of life-saving drugs, routine medicines, and operational ambulances (102 and 108).
The CMO emphasized the importance of microplanning for the safe transport of pregnant women from snow-affected areas to nearby delivery points, as well as for chronic patients requiring dialysis and those suffering from asthma and COPD.
During his inspections, Dr. Khan visited several key facilities, including Government CHC Mandi, Government Primary Health Center Swajian, PHC Loran, and PHC Chandak in Block Mandi. He instructed all doctors and paramedical staff to maintain punctuality, adhere to dress codes, and ensure that patients receive optimal healthcare.
Addressing potential challenges posed by power outages due to snowfall, the CMO inquired about backup power solutions and requested advance fuel supplies for ambulances and generators to ensure uninterrupted service.
The CMO thoroughly checked the heating systems, medicine stores, and the availability of blankets in wards and labor rooms at all visited institutions.
Notably, he confirmed that ambulances at CHC Mandi and PHC Loran were operational, with a total of four ambulances functioning, including one 108 at CHC Mandi.TDD
