Leaves of Jammu doctors cancelled from June 19 ahead of Amarnath Yatra

Jammu: Taking cognizance of the necessity of available doctors to handle medical emergencies during Amarnath Yatra, the state authorities have cancelled all leaves of doctors and paramedical staff members, except those granted time off on maternity and medical grounds, from 19th June 2023.

The decision was taken keeping in mind the annual Amarnath Yatra. This year 62 days long, Shri Amarnath ji Yatra will commence on 1st July 2023 and will culminate on 31st August 2023. The first batch of pilgrims is expected to leave the Jammu base camp for Kashmir one day ahead of the start of the two-month-long yatra. The Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage occurs when the iced stalagmite Shiva lingam reaches the apex of its waxing phase through the summer months. 

Director of Health Services (Jammu) Rajeev K Sharma has also directed the chief medical officers, medical superintendents, and block medical officers not to sanction or forward leave applications of doctors and paramedics to ensure the availability of adequate staff members during the yatra period, reports PTI. The annual pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre cave shrine is scheduled to commence on July 1 from the twin tracks — the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route in the Anantnag district and the 14-kilometre shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

According to a circular issued by Director – Health Services (Jammu) Rajeev K Sharma, “In view of the Shri Amar Nath Ji Yatra, all types of leaves of doctors and paramedical staff except maternity leave and commuted leave on medical grounds, stands cancelled with effect from June 19.” The first batch of pilgrims is expected to leave the Jammu base camp for Kashmir one day ahead of the start of the two-month-long yatra.

Sharma also directed the chief medical officers, medical superintendents and block medical officers not to sanction or forward leave applications of doctors and paramedics to ensure the availability of adequate staff members during the yatra period. 

Read Also: J&K: LG Manoj Sinha Inaugurates 70-Bedded DRDO Hospital For Amarnath Yatris

Jammu Kashmir government pays special attention to ensure proper healthcare of Amarnath Yatris, especially during emergencies. Last year Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a 70-bedded hospital for quality healthcare services to Shri Amarnathji Yatris. He also reviewed the preparedness and response mechanisms of all the stakeholder departments & carried out an on-site inspection of facilities on travel routes of Baltal and Pahalgam.