Health Minister JP Nadda reviews emergency preparedness, orders strengthened response systems

New Delhi, May 9: Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to review the country’s emergency health systems and preparedness protocols. During the meeting, officials presented the current status of medical infrastructure readiness, including ambulance deployment, hospital capacity, and availability of essential medical supplies such as medicines, equipment, oxygen, and blood. “We are ensuring that all emergency response mechanisms are fully activated and responsive,” the Minister said, emphasising the need for round-the-clock readiness.

The Ministry reported on the deployment of BHISHM Cubes, modular trauma care units, as well as the positioning of advanced mobile medical facilities to handle critical cases. Hospitals and medical institutions have been instructed to ensure adequate stocks of essential drugs, trauma care kits, blood and oxygen supplies. “All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi and other central government hospitals have mobilized doctors, nurses, and medical supplies for rapid deployment,” said a senior official. These institutions have also been advised to work closely with state and district administrations, the armed forces, private hospitals, and medical associations to build a coordinated and efficient emergency response network.

In a proactive step, nationwide mock drills were conducted at premier institutes such as AIIMS, PGIMER, and JIPMER to assess disaster preparedness. Additionally, the Ministry is rolling out new training modules in CPR, first aid, and basic life support with support from institutions including the Indian Red Cross Society, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW), and the iGOT platform. Union Health Secretary Sudhansh Pant shared updates on recent consultations with state governments and central health institutions to ensure seamless coordination across levels of governance.

“Timely collaboration with district and state-level authorities, especially in border regions, is key to an effective emergency response,” he noted. The Health Minister has directed that all emergency health systems remain “fully equipped and operational at all times.” He also ordered the establishment of a 24x7 control and command centre within the Ministry to monitor developments and support states as needed. “The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and is fully committed to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services and emergency support across the country,” Nadda affirmed.