Poonch, Jan 22: In view of an impending fresh active western disturbance, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Poonch has issued a high alert across the district, directing all health institutions to remain fully prepared on a 24×7 basis.
According to an official order issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Poonch as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the Meteorological Department has forecast that a fresh weather system is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir, including adjoining areas of Poonch, from the evening of January 22 till January 31, 2026. Under its influence, widespread moderate rain, snowfall and thunderstorms are expected at most places.
The CMO has directed Block Medical Officers (BMOs) of Mandi, Mendhar and Surankote to immediately share the status of preparedness regarding availability of manpower, ambulances with drivers and essential logistics at their respective health facilities. All staff and machinery have been ordered to remain in a state of readiness round-the-clock.
The order further directs all BMOs to activate their emergency control rooms for timely information sharing, monitoring and management of any untoward incidents. Ambulances have been instructed to remain on standby, while all health institutions across the district will function 24×7 during the weather advisory period.
Special instructions have also been issued regarding maternal care. All pregnant women whose expected date of delivery falls between January 20 and February 28, 2026, are to be shifted to District Hospitals, CHCs and designated delivery points to ensure safe institutional deliveries.
Meanwhile, all Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) have been directed to ensure that no officer or official leaves their station or health institution. All kinds of leave have been cancelled with immediate effect, except maternity leave. Employees already on leave have been instructed to report back to duty without delay. —(KNC)
