Patna: AIIMS Patna will deploy a team of five doctors to provide medical services during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, which is scheduled to begin on July 3. The deployment forms part of a nationwide healthcare support system established by the Government of India to assist pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir.
The healthcare network for the Yatra includes health camps, medical clinics, intensive care units (ICUs), emergency medical services, surgical and orthopaedic facilities, and oxygen centres positioned along the pilgrimage route.
Doctors to Serve in Three Batches
According to AIIMS Patna, the five doctors will be deployed in three separate batches. Two doctors each will serve in the first and second batches, while one doctor will be assigned to the third batch.
Before their departure, members of the first batch met AIIMS Patna Executive Director Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal on June 22.
The first batch comprises Dr. Kaushik Banerjee from the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CTVS) and Dr. Vinay Kumar Singh from the Department of Emergency Medicine.
Deployment at Panchtarni Base Camp
The first batch will travel from Patna to Srinagar before proceeding to the Panchtarni Base Camp, one of the key medical support locations on the pilgrimage route.
The doctors will provide healthcare services at the camp from June 27 to July 19, 2026.
Also present during the interaction were Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CTVS) and Faculty (Administration), and Nilotpal Bal, Deputy Director (Administration), AIIMS Patna.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar is serving as the Nodal Officer coordinating AIIMS Patna’s participation in the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra medical mission.
Focus on Pilgrim Safety
During the interaction, Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal congratulated the doctors selected for the first batch and wished them success in carrying out their responsibilities. He acknowledged their commitment to serving pilgrims in challenging terrain and reiterated AIIMS Patna’s role in supporting national healthcare and humanitarian initiatives.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar said the Government of India has adopted a “Zero Mortality” objective for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, emphasising timely medical intervention and comprehensive healthcare support for pilgrims.
He said AIIMS Patna was proud to contribute to the national service initiative and remained committed to ensuring quality medical care for devotees undertaking the pilgrimage.
Third Year of Participation
AIIMS Patna has been contributing medical personnel to the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra healthcare mission since 2024.
With its participation in 2026, the institute will support the initiative for the third consecutive year, continuing its involvement in providing healthcare assistance during one of India’s largest annual pilgrimages.
