Many Jammu students and jobseekers come from districts that can be cut off when it snows. On Tuesday, November 3, Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Saugat Biswas reviewed winter preparedness in healthcare institutions, with emphasis on remote, snowbound and vulnerable areas.
Which areas?
In Jammu division, the review covered Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban and Kathua. In Kashmir division it named Gurez in Bandipora, Tangdhar and Teetwal in Kupwara and the upper reaches of Baramulla.
What was ordered?
- A review of 4x4 ambulance availability in winter-bound areas, and functional ambulances generally.
- Directors of Health Services, Chief Medical Officers and Block Medical Officers to identify vulnerable, high-risk people, particularly pregnant women, and keep updated lists for timely intervention and evacuation.
- JKMSCL and both Directors of Health Services to ensure adequate stocks of essential medicines and proper heating in all healthcare institutions.
- Both Divisional Commissioners to coordinate with the Civil Aviation Department for airlifting patients when required, especially in adverse weather.
The meeting included Divisional Commissioners, the NHM Managing Director, Deputy Commissioners, the principals of all Government Medical Colleges and other senior officers.
What has not been said
The report gives no ambulance counts, budgets or helpline numbers. It is a statement of direction, not of what is already in place. For wider winter planning, see our piece on winter power in J&K.
Source: The Tribune, November 5, 2026. Also reported by Rising Kashmir, November 5, 2026, and by Kashmir Images, November 3, 2026. Photo: Rising Kashmir, from its report on the review.
