<p>Srinagar:<strong> </strong>In a move aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have announced plans to sensitize doctors from outside the state on the issuance of Compulsory Health Certificates (CHCs).<br></p><p>These certificates are mandatory for pilgrims embarking on the high-altitude pilgrimage, which is known for its arduous trek through high-altitude terrain in difficult weather conditions. <br></p><p>The initiative seeks to enhance the understanding of healthcare professionals about the specific medical requirements necessary for a safe pilgrimage, an official said. Individuals with underlying comorbid conditions or physical weaknesses that may render them unfit for high-altitude travel must undergo a thorough screening process.</p>.Asia’s largest tulip garden in J&K's Srinagar set for grand opening on March 26.<p>Pilgrims who are deemed unfit for the challenging journey will not be issued the health certificates, as their participation in the pilgrimage could pose significant risks to their health and even lead to life-threatening situations, he said.<br></p><p>To streamline this effort, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, held a meeting with the health secretaries of 10 states and union territories, urging them to assign an adequate number of doctors for CHC issuance. <br></p><p>He also instructed the J&K Health Department to organize sensitization sessions for the designated doctors to ensure they understand the medical criteria needed for a safe pilgrimage.<br></p><p>Past incidents of pilgrims using fraudulent medical certificates have raised concerns about their safety. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the J&K Lieutenant Governor and CEO of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), noted that unfit pilgrims had been issued CHCs in previous years, including those with comorbidities, leading to tragic outcomes. <br></p><p>He highlighted the 2012 Amarnath Yatra disaster, where over 100 pilgrims lost their lives due to health complications exacerbated by the extreme conditions, stressing the need for more stringent health screening moving forward.<br></p><p>A senior doctor involved in the yatra arrangements for over a decade explained that many medical certificates issued to pilgrims in the past were obtained through fraudulent means. <br></p><p>“A cardiologist’s opinion is essential for such a trek, but many pilgrims lack such a certificate,” he said. “We’ve encountered individuals with health issues and little experience in walking long distances, yet they decide to attempt the arduous journey. Strict action must be taken against doctors who issue such certificates.”<br></p><p>The annual pilgrimage is scheduled to commence from July 3 and will culminate on August 9 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.</p>
<p>Srinagar:<strong> </strong>In a move aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have announced plans to sensitize doctors from outside the state on the issuance of Compulsory Health Certificates (CHCs).<br></p><p>These certificates are mandatory for pilgrims embarking on the high-altitude pilgrimage, which is known for its arduous trek through high-altitude terrain in difficult weather conditions. <br></p><p>The initiative seeks to enhance the understanding of healthcare professionals about the specific medical requirements necessary for a safe pilgrimage, an official said. Individuals with underlying comorbid conditions or physical weaknesses that may render them unfit for high-altitude travel must undergo a thorough screening process.</p>.Asia’s largest tulip garden in J&K's Srinagar set for grand opening on March 26.<p>Pilgrims who are deemed unfit for the challenging journey will not be issued the health certificates, as their participation in the pilgrimage could pose significant risks to their health and even lead to life-threatening situations, he said.<br></p><p>To streamline this effort, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, held a meeting with the health secretaries of 10 states and union territories, urging them to assign an adequate number of doctors for CHC issuance. <br></p><p>He also instructed the J&K Health Department to organize sensitization sessions for the designated doctors to ensure they understand the medical criteria needed for a safe pilgrimage.<br></p><p>Past incidents of pilgrims using fraudulent medical certificates have raised concerns about their safety. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the J&K Lieutenant Governor and CEO of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), noted that unfit pilgrims had been issued CHCs in previous years, including those with comorbidities, leading to tragic outcomes. <br></p><p>He highlighted the 2012 Amarnath Yatra disaster, where over 100 pilgrims lost their lives due to health complications exacerbated by the extreme conditions, stressing the need for more stringent health screening moving forward.<br></p><p>A senior doctor involved in the yatra arrangements for over a decade explained that many medical certificates issued to pilgrims in the past were obtained through fraudulent means. <br></p><p>“A cardiologist’s opinion is essential for such a trek, but many pilgrims lack such a certificate,” he said. “We’ve encountered individuals with health issues and little experience in walking long distances, yet they decide to attempt the arduous journey. Strict action must be taken against doctors who issue such certificates.”<br></p><p>The annual pilgrimage is scheduled to commence from July 3 and will culminate on August 9 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.</p>