JAMMU: A video conference was held today by the Directorate of Health Services Jammu to assess the preparedness for water-borne diseases and snake bite management across Jammu Division. The meeting was chaired by Director Health Services Jammu Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar and attended by Chief Medical Officers and Medical Superintendents from across the division.

The meeting was initiated by State Surveillance Officer, IDSP Jammu Division, Dr. Harjeet Rai who stressed upon the timely reporting of cases on the IHIP IDSP portal, strengthening of surveillance activities and enhancement of diagnostic capacity at District Public Health Laboratories (DPHLs). Seasonal disease trends, recent outbreaks and laid out action plans for rapid detection, reporting and response were discussed.

Recent cases of Acute Diarrheal Disease, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & E, and other water-borne infections in Rajouri, Udhampur and urban Jammu were reviewed in detail.  Health officers were directed to coordinate closely with the Jal Shakti Department to ensure the supply of clean drinking water, especially in outbreak-prone and high-risk areas.

In view of the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra, special instructions were issued for rigorous disease surveillance along the pilgrimage route. Regular water quality testing at Langars and medical camps has been made mandatory and any suspected cases must be reported without delay.

The rising number of snake bite incidents across the division was also discussed. District teams have been asked to intensify public awareness campaigns through ASHAs, ANMs and PRI members, encouraging early referral to health facilities and discouraging reliance on unqualified practitioners. Availability of anti-snake venom and trained staff has been reinforced as a priority at all government hospitals.

The Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety through proactive health monitoring, coordinated field actions and enhanced readiness of the health system across the Jammu Division.

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In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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