Meer Iqbal
Srinagar, March 8: In the lead-up to the eagerly awaited Khelo India Winter Games 2025, Director Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK) Dr. Jehangir Bakshi and Principal SKIMS Medical College Bemina Dr. Fazl Q. Parray had a high-level joint meeting to discuss healthcare preparations for the grand event.
The conference, organized at SKIMS Medical College, was with regard to putting in place a strong medical response mechanism for the games to be hosted in Gulmarg between March 9 and 12, 2025. The magnitude of the event and participation from athletes nationwide made SKIMS Medical College Hospital the primary referral hospital, charged with all cases of emergency as well as referrals from the event venue.
Government officials discussed non-stop availability of specialist doctors, advanced trauma care services, and stationing of fully equipped ambulances strategically. Mobilization of required human resources, logistics, and medical equipment to support un-interrupted emergency response during the games was also discussed. A team of specialized healthcare workers, such as orthopedic doctors, trauma specialists, cardiologists, and paramedics, will be kept on standby throughout the event to deal with any medical emergencies. Arrangements for on-site first aid stations and quick evacuation procedures were also discussed.
Addressing the event, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Jehangir Bakshi stated: “The safety and well-being of athletes, officials, and spectators are our utmost concern. We have ensured a well-organized medical response system in place, with specialists and emergency teams ready to respond to any untoward situation during the games.”
Principal SKIMS Medical College Bemina, Dr. Fazl Q. Parray, was also upbeat about the preparedness: “SKIMS Medical College Hospital is well-equipped to be the focal referral center for this mega sporting event. We are dedicated to delivering the best medical care possible and making sure that all the arrangements are made for a successful and incident-free tournament.”
Both SKIMS Medical College and DHSK reiterated their commitment to increase coordination and collaboration beyond the event, with the objective of reinforcing healthcare service delivery in the region. The session emphasized the necessity of inter-institutional synergy to ensure sports events of such a scale have world-class medical support.
