Chandigarh on Emergency Footing: All Medical Staff Leaves Cancelled, Alert at Ayushman Arogya Manch

In a strong step after increased security concerns post-Operation Sindoor, the Chandigarh administration has cancelled leaves for medical staff deployed at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs) and Urban Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (UAAMs). The order, given by the State Health Society and the National Health Mission, requires all medical officers and staff to be on 24x7 emergency duty until further orders.

Key Highlights

Leave of all kinds granted to medical officers and staff in AAMs and UAAMs has been withdrawn with immediate effect. Staff will be required to report for duty at short notice, day or night.

Inaction or delay in replying to calls of emergency or instructions shall lead to severe disciplinary action.

The management has directed nursing superintendents to make staff ready for crisis management, with special stress on handling patients and attendants during emergencies.

Mock drills have also been organized, during which mobile phone use by patients and attendants was put off limits to facilitate smooth operations.

At PGI Chandigarh, a disaster ward as well as a special emergency entry gate have been readied on the Nehru ground floor. Although presently operational for normal patients, the facilities are equipped to suit instant conversion in the event of a mass casualty situation.

Pharmacy and library at the hospital are put on standby, with instructions to have a sufficient stock of vital drugs. ICU and trauma blocks are being prepared for instant use in emergencies, and vehicular movement on hospital grounds will be strictly monitored during an emergency.

Employees have been instructed that they can be posted anywhere, anytime, and must report to duty instantly on being called.

The health department shall soon appoint nodal officers in disaster management on lines of operations being done at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This heightened state of alert comes in the wake of the recent airstrikes carried out by India over terror camps near the border, which has put the region's entire health and security mechanism on alert in anticipation of any contingency.

Sources: PTC News, Haribhoomi, The Indian Express