Baltal, April 30, 2025 – To ensure top-tier medical support for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, visited Base Camp Hospital Baltal and Primary Health Centre Sonamarg on April 30, 2025, for a firsthand evaluation of health facilities. The inspection highlights Jammu and Kashmir’s commitment to the safety and well-being of pilgrims ahead of the annual pilgrimage, scheduled to begin on July 3, 2025.
Dr. Shah issued directives to medical officers and yatra staff, stressing the need for round-the-clock emergency services, efficient patient referrals, and ample supplies of essential medicines. He emphasized seamless coordination between Base Camp Hospital Baltal, PHC Sonamarg, and medical teams along Yatru routes to provide swift, compassionate care. “Pilgrims must have access to the best medical support throughout their journey,” Dr. Shah remarked, according to local reports.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, a revered Hindu pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine, draws thousands via the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Preparations include infrastructure upgrades, such as a proposed 11.6-km ropeway from Baltal to the shrine. Dr. Shah’s visit builds on innovations like the 2024 ‘pony ambulance’ service, designed to deliver critical care in challenging terrains.
Base Camp Hospital Baltal, a 100-bedded facility enhanced through Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, and PHC Sonamarg, temporarily upgraded for the yatra, form the backbone of the healthcare system. While PHC Sonamarg does not yet meet Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS)-2022 for permanent upgradation, targeted improvements are underway for the pilgrimage season.
Posts on X praised Dr. Shah’s focus on medical preparedness, underscoring its role in ensuring a safe yatra. The visit follows a national review on April 5, 2025, where Dr. Shah reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to robust pilgrim healthcare.
As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for the 52-day pilgrimage, Dr. Shah’s inspection reflects the region’s resilience, seen in recent tourist arrivals in Pahalgam despite security concerns. By strengthening health infrastructure, the administration aims to deliver a secure and spiritually enriching experience for all Amarnath yatris.