IAF strike: Leaves of health officials cancelled in J&K

As reports about Indian Air Force (IAF) carrying out a pre-dawn strike on a militant camp across the LoC trickled, health authorities in Kashmir cancelled all the leaves of doctors.

An official of Kashmir’s only super-speciality hospital - SK Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) – said the leaves and second half of winter vacation holidays of its staff stand cancelled. “In pursuance to Government order no. 249-GAD of 2019 the 2nd half of winter vacation sanctioned vidOn thee office order no. SIMS 1391 (per) of 2018, dated: 31.12.2018, is hereby cancelled,” a statement issued by the SKIMS said.

“Director SKIMS & EOSG directed all the faculty members that they shall report to their duties by today 26th February 2019 positively and shall remain available at their place of posting with effect from Tuesday,” the statement said.

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It said that leave of any kind sanctioned to the staff members for SKIMS (except leave sanctioned on medical grounds, Child Care Leave or for Study purpose) shall also stand cancelled with effect from Tuesday.

On Saturday following the directives, the SKIMS had activated its emergency management plan under which extra medical personnel would provide medical assistance at a time of any eventuality.

The same day, the government’s ordered to all hospitals in Kashmir to stock up on supplies and stay on high alert. Nearly 150 major hospitals and dispensaries managed by the Health and Medical Education Department were asked to stay vigilant for any emergency situation.

“With Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reportedly telling the country’s Army to respond “decisively and comprehensively” to military move from the Indian side, there is the apprehension of war like situation in coming days. Keeping in view, the hospitals in Kashmir have been put on high alert,” a senior health official told DH.