In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah today chaired a high-level meeting to review post-flood preparedness and response measures across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Heads of Departments, Directors of Health Services Jammu / Kashmir, Principals and Medical Superintendents (MS) of Government Medical Colleges, Managing Director JKMSCL, Chief Medical Officers (CMOs),State Surveillance Officers (SSO) and Sate Malariologist.

During the meeting, the Secretary emphasized the importance of rapid health assessment in flood-affected areas, strengthening of disease surveillance, and ensuring readiness of health facilities. He directed the officers to undertake  rapid health assessment of affected populations, functionality of health facilities, availability of medicines, sanitation, and cold chain.

The Secretary called upon the CMOs to conduct assessment of flood damages and submit reports for same in due course of time. He stressed for daily disease surveillance under IDSP for diarrhoea, cholera, hepatitis A/E, leptospirosis, malaria, dengue, ARI, and snakebite with immediate reporting of clustering of cases and activation of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).

The Secretary also instructed for immediate restoration of health services in damaged facilities, deployment of mobile medical teams temporary camps, and ensuring uninterrupted supply of ORS, IV fluids, antibiotics, vaccines, anti-snake venom, anti-rabies vaccine and serum and anti-malarial drugs.

He called upon the officers to coordinate with Jal Shakti Department for provision of safe drinking water through chlorination, distribution of chlorine tablets for household use and regular water quality testing at public water sources and relief camps.  He also asked for intensification of vector surveillance, fogging, larvicidal measures and residual spraying in stagnant water areas, besides safe water arrangements, sanitation, drainage, waste disposal, immunization, and regular medical check-ups in relief camps.

The Secretary also stressed on risk communication and community awareness regarding use of ORS, safe drinking water, early reporting of fever/diarrhoea/jaundice, snakebite first aid. He also laid  emphasis on timely shifting of pregnant mothers with near expected date of delivery from cut off areas to nearest health facility.

The Secretary further directed all concerned officers to ensure timely action, inter-departmental coordination and close monitoring so that public health risks in the aftermath of floods are minimized.

He also reiterated for public awareness regarding helplines like 104 for health-related issues, 102/108 for ambulance services, and 14416 (Tele-MANAS helpline) for mental health support.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
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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