Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: An unidentified illness has claimed 17 lives in Budhal village under Kotranka Sub Division, prompting authorities to strengthen the Government Medical College (GMC) in Rajouri.
In response to the crisis, the health department has deployed five pediatricians and five anesthesiologists to GMC Rajouri to bolster its emergency preparedness. Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, Principal of GMC Rajouri, confirmed that advanced medical technologies are in place to handle the situation.
“…We faced a shortage of staff during evacuation (of Budhal village). I requested the Secretary Health, and within half an hour, he got the GMC Principal to pass an order for deputing 5 anaesthesiologists and 5 paediatricians. They will strengthen our existing manpower… We have been facing this crisis for 40 days, since 7 December,” Dr. Bhatia said.
Additionally, advanced care ambulances are on standby at GMC Rajouri. Six patients from Budhal village are currently undergoing treatment at the facility and are showing signs of recovery.
Authorities have declared the entire Budhal area a containment zone. Local MLA Javaid Iqbal has appealed to the Union government to provide air ambulances to ensure the swift transport of critically ill patients. “I saw children die in agony in front of me… I appeal to the government to station air ambulances in Jammu or Rajouri so critical patients can be airlifted for advanced treatment. Arrangements should also be made in PGIMER Chandigarh and AIIMS Delhi in case the disease spreads causing a bigger outbreak,” Iqbal stated.
The unidentified illness presents with symptoms such as fever, sweating, vomiting, dehydration, and episodic loss of consciousness. However, initial tests have ruled out bacterial or viral infections, leaving the cause unknown.
All departments remain on high alert, operating round the clock to manage the situation. MLA Iqbal emphasized the need for additional resources and staff to meet potential emergencies, adding, “Yesterday, patients were airlifted from here to Jammu. But, due to lack of help, they could not be sent to PGIMER Chandigarh and are instead being treated in SMGS Hospital and GMC Jammu.”