Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian Health Ministry has taken decisive steps to ensure the country's readiness to handle any potential health emergencies. All leaves for officials within the Health Ministry have been cancelled, with the exception of those required for medical reasons. This directive requires those currently on leave to return to their duties immediately.
This action by the Health Ministry follows cross-border shelling in regions such as Jammu, which has prompted a state of heightened vigilance in Delhi. Increased security measures have been implemented in public areas, including malls, markets, and transportation hubs, to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
The order from the Health Ministry explicitly states that "no leave of any kind including station leave is to be granted to any officer except on medical grounds, till further orders". It further emphasizes the cancellation of any previously approved leave, directing officers currently on leave to resume their duties without delay. Controlling officers have been instructed to communicate these directives to their respective staff.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda convened an internal meeting to assess emergency preparedness across the country. Following this review, leaves for all healthcare personnel in central government-run hospitals were cancelled, except for medical leaves. The meeting also covered the availability of beds and human resources in hospitals, with a particular focus on states bordering Pakistan. A meeting with state health ministers may be called soon, depending on how the security situation evolves.
Health departments and hospitals in northern and western India have activated emergency protocols. These protocols include the cancellation of leaves for medical personnel and the mobilization of a healthcare network to optimize resource allocation in case of an emergency. Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Delhi are developing real-time databases of available resources. Districts that have reported drone and missile attacks are conducting ambulance dry runs to ensure preparedness.
The Health Ministry has issued a statement advising hospitals and medical institutions to ensure the availability of essential drugs, an adequate supply of blood and oxygen, and sufficient trauma care kits. AIIMS Delhi and other central government hospitals have mobilized doctors and nurses with supplies, ready for immediate deployment.
In addition to the Health Ministry's actions, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have also cancelled leaves for their officers and staff until further notice. This decision, based on directives from the Delhi government's Services Department, aims to ensure adequate staffing levels for emergency response efforts. AIIMS Delhi has also suspended all leaves, in accordance with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's order.
