Health infrastructure in Rajouri’s Government Medical College (GMC) has been bolstered following the outbreak of an unidentified illness that has claimed 17 lives in Budhal village, located in Kotranka Sub Division of Jammu and Kashmir.
To address the crisis, the health department has deployed five child specialists and five anesthesiologists to GMC Rajouri. Principal of GMC Rajouri, Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, confirmed that advanced technology and resources have been mobilized to manage emergency situations effectively.
“We faced a staff shortage during the evacuation in Budhal village. I contacted the Secretary of Health, and within half an hour, orders were issued to depute five anesthesiologists and five pediatricians to strengthen our manpower. This crisis has been ongoing since December 7,” Dr. Bhatia stated.
The Budhal area has been declared a containment zone to prevent the spread of the illness. Advanced care ambulances have been stationed at GMC Rajouri, and six patients from the affected village are currently under treatment and showing signs of recovery.
Javaid Iqbal, MLA for Budhal, has urged the Union government to station air ambulances in the region to facilitate the timely evacuation of critical patients. He also appealed for arrangements at advanced medical facilities like PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS Delhi to handle a potential outbreak.
“I saw children die in agony in front of me. I appeal to the government to station air ambulances in Jammu or Rajouri for emergencies and to ensure critical patients can be airlifted to advanced centers. GMC Rajouri should also be further strengthened,” MLA Iqbal stated.
The mysterious illness has been reported with symptoms including fever, sweating, vomiting, dehydration, and episodic loss of consciousness. However, initial tests have ruled out bacterial or viral infections, leaving health officials scrambling to identify the cause.
The outbreak has placed health and administrative departments on high alert, operating round the clock to manage the situation. While some patients have been airlifted to Jammu for treatment, others are receiving care at SMGS Hospital and GMC Jammu. MLA Iqbal has called for preparedness at tertiary care facilities should the illness spread further.
Efforts are underway to strengthen healthcare systems in the region, with authorities focusing on both immediate response and long-term preparedness to manage the crisis and prevent further loss of life.
