Srinagar, March 26, 2025 – In a bid to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo announced plans to sensitise outside doctors on issuing Compulsory Health Certificates . The decision was made during a high-level virtual meeting with Health Secretaries from 10 states and Union Territories on Tuesday, emphasising stricter healthcare measures for the annual pilgrimage.
The Shri Amarnathji Yatra, scheduled from July 3 to August 9, 2025, attracts thousands of devotees annually to the holy cave shrine in the Himalayas. To prevent health-related incidents, particularly among pilgrims with co-morbidities, the J&K Health Department will conduct specialized training sessions for designated doctors from across India. This move addresses past concerns where unfit pilgrims were issued health certificates, leading to tragic outcomes during the arduous trek.
CS Atal Dulloo underscored the importance of accountability and adherence to strict guidelines in the certification process. “The sensitization of outside doctors is crucial to ensure only medically fit individuals undertake this journey,” he said. States and UTs have been directed to nominate doctors and submit their lists to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) by April 5, 2025, for effective coordination.
The meeting, chaired by Dulloo, saw participation from key officials, including the Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and SASB CEO Nitishwar Kumar. Discussions focused on enhancing healthcare infrastructure and streamlining the certification process to safeguard pilgrims’ well-being.
The initiative reflects J&K’s commitment to improving safety standards for the 2025 pilgrimage, with the Health Department and SASB working in tandem to train doctors and enforce rigorous health checks. Further details on the training schedule are expected soon as preparations intensify for the yatra.