July 8, 2024 11:44 AM.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir has introduced a ‘Pony Ambulance’ service for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024, providing critical healthcare support to pilgrims during their journey.
Conceived by the Director of Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rathar under the guidance of Secretary of Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, this innovative initiative has been widely appreciated by Yatris.
The Pony Ambulance, a horse-mounted emergency response system equipped with medical kits and oxygen cylinders, accompanies pilgrims along both the Baltal and Pahalgam axis.
Trained personnel handle the Pony Ambulance, which swiftly responds to any health issues faced by yatris during the yatra. This timely intervention has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality rates.
According to officials, the pony ambulances are aimed to provide critical healthcare support to the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. The horse-mounted emergency response system equipped with medical kits and oxygen cylinders will accompany the pilgrims along both the Baltal and Pahalgam axis, they said.
A senior official said the pony ambulances will be handled by trained personnel who are equipped to provide a swift response to any medical exigencies or health issues the pilgrims may face during the yatra.
“We are committed to ensuring the well-being of Amarnath yatris. The Pony Ambulance service has boosted pilgrims’ confidence and comfort during the yatra,” Syed Abid Rashid Shah, secretary, Health and Medical Education said.
Shah said the service, which has been widely appreciated by the pilgrims, has been launched by the Health Services Department in Kashmir and conceived by department director Mushtaq Ahmad Rather.
The service has set a new standard for emergency response in remote areas, showcasing Kashmir’s healthcare innovation, a health department spokesperson said.