SRINAGAR: Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM) J&K, Athar Aamir Shafi-ul-Khan, chaired a review meeting at the State Health Society Office in the Old Secretariat, Srinagar, to assess and strengthen winter preparedness across healthcare institutions in the region.

The meeting was attended both in person and via virtual mode by the Director Health Services Jammu/Kashmir, Chief Medical Officers, NHM Programme Managers, and other senior health officials.

Conducting an exhaustive district-wise review, the Mission Director placed core emphasis on maintaining uninterrupted medical services during the challenging winter months. He evaluated the availability of essential medicines, proper heating arrangements, and reliable power backup systems across all healthcare facilities to ensure patient comfort and operational continuity.

Reviewing grassroots medical staffing, he stressed the adequate deployment of manpower and field-level workers, particularly ASHA workers and ANMs, while also directing enhanced preparations and resource allocation for the effective management of seasonal respiratory diseases.

A major focus of the deliberations was maternal and child healthcare safety in remote and snow-bound terrain. The Mission Director directed officials to maintain a precise line listing of all pregnant women, proactively identify high-risk pregnancies or any patients requiring specialised medical intervention, and ensure their proper tracking and mobilisation for respectful institutional delivery. Emphasising a zero-tolerance approach toward avoidable tragedies, he strongly reiterated that the administration must ensure zero maternal and infant deaths alongside absolute prevention of home deliveries.

To tackle logistical challenges during heavy snowfalls, the meeting finalised a robust deployment plan for 108 Ambulance services, with a specific priority on stationing 4x4 ambulances in difficult and snowbound areas.

Officials were instructed to maintain close liaison with the Mechanical Engineering Department, Police, and other stakeholder agencies for immediate snow clearance and unhindered emergency transit routes.

Concluding the meeting, the Mission Director directed all Chief Medical Officers to conduct rigorous and regular field visits to proactively identify and bridge any operational gaps ahead of the peak winter season.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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