A mock drill at a hospital in Kolkata on May 8.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has directed all medical establishments to ensure that medical emergency response health systems are adequately equipped and functional at all times. Also, the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi and other Central Government hospitals have been asked to mobilise doctors and nurses with supplies for ready deployment. 

At a high-level meeting on Friday (May 9, 2025), Mr. Nadda directed to ensure that ground-level linkages with all State Governments, particularly at the district levels, especially border States, be effectively established to ensure immediate emergency healthcare, if required. 

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“A round-the-clock control and command centre in the Ministry will monitor ongoing efforts and support states in the present times,” he said.

Additionally, all hospitals and medical institutions have been asked to ensure availability of essential drugs, adequate supply of blood, oxygen, trauma care kits etc. “They have been advised to coordinate with State and district administration, armed forces and regional associations of doctors, nurses, paramedics, private sector hospitals, charitable institutions etc., to strengthen the emergency response networks in a collaborative manner,” said a senior Health Ministry official. 

At the meeting, the Health Minister was briefed about the status of medical preparedness for handling emergency cases. He was apprised of the actions taken regarding deployment of ambulances, ensuring adequate availability of medical supplies including equipment, medicines, supply of blood vials and consumables, hospital readiness in terms of beds and deployment of BHISHM Cubes, advanced mobile trauma care units and so on. The Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM), part of Project Aarogya Maitri, is an innovative emergency medical aid program.

Nationwide mock drills for disaster preparedness have been conducted at various health care institutes. “Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services and emergency response across all regions,’’ said a release issued by the Ministry.