High-Altitude Telemedicine Services Launched for Amarnath Yatra 2025

SRINAGAR: For the first time in the history of the Amarnath Yatra, high-altitude telemedicine services have been launched and made operational at key base hospitals in Baltal and Panjtarni.

The initiative, a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), aims to provide real-time specialist healthcare to pilgrims in the remote and high-altitude areas along the Yatra route.

Using satellite-enabled communication systems, medical teams at Baltal and Panjtarni can now consult doctors at tertiary healthcare centres for advanced diagnosis and remote management of critical cases. Officials said the service is expected to improve patient outcomes and reduce emergency evacuations.

Following the success of the installations at Baltal and Panjtarni, DHSK is expanding the telemedicine network to four more locations—Holy Cave, Lower Holy Cave, Sheshnag, and Chandanwari. Work on these sites is currently underway.

Each telemedicine unit is equipped with diagnostic tools, satellite terminals, high-definition video conferencing, and real-time data-sharing systems, enabling seamless communication between on-ground health staff and remote specialists.

Dr Jehangir Bakshi, Director of Health Services Kashmir, said, “With telemedicine operational at Baltal and Panjtarni, pilgrims in remote camps can now receive timely specialist care. This helps reduce unnecessary evacuations and strengthens medical services on-site.”

He added that the use of space technology in this context demonstrates its potential for healthcare delivery in remote and disaster-prone areas. “It not only improves healthcare access during the Yatra but also enhances efficiency in managing health infrastructure during one of India’s largest religious gatherings.”

DHSK has also deployed over 1,000 medical personnel, including doctors, specialists, and allied health workers, across medical stations. Emergency Aid Centres, Mobile Medical Units, and Base Hospitals have been set up at critical points along the Yatra route.

Officials said essential life-saving equipment has been provisioned, and pre-Yatra training and public awareness campaigns on high-altitude illnesses and emergency response have also been conducted.

Authorities said the successful introduction of telemedicine services in these high-altitude areas sets a benchmark for future healthcare interventions in remote and logistically challenging regions. (KNO)