In response to the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur, has taken decisive steps to brace for any fallout from the situation. On directives issued by the Health Department, Nagpur, all leaves of doctors, nurses, and employees have been cancelled with immediate effect. This move forms part of a broader effort to place the region's healthcare infrastructure on high alert and ensure maximum readiness.

The AIIMS Nagpur administration has begun stockpiling essential medical supplies, including oxygen cylinders, blood units, surgical kits, and critical medicines. Emergency wards are being inspected and reinforced to be capable of handling mass casualty scenarios, if required. A clear directive has been issued for all employees, barring those on medical leave, to report to work immediately. Hospital authorities stated that this proactive approach was essential, given the unpredictability of conflict-related injuries and emergencies.

Emergency Preparedness Nationwide

The Union Health Ministry has also responded swiftly to the deteriorating situation. In a press briefing, it was confirmed that all Centre-run hospitals, including AIIMS Delhi, Safdarjung, and Ram Manohar Lohia, have activated emergency protocols and cancelled all leaves indefinitely. Health Minister JP Nadda, who chaired a high-level review meeting on Friday, directed that hospitals must be fully functional, adequately staffed, and prepared to deliver emergency response at all times.

Nadda’s instructions emphasized strengthening all hospitals' capacity, stating, “The nation must be medically ready for any kind of situation, from surgical emergencies to trauma and burns. There must be zero tolerance for delays in medical care delivery during this time.” As part of this directive, state governments across Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Rajasthan have been asked to initiate coordinated medical drills and inventory checks.

Conflict Escalation: Background

The spike in medical preparedness comes amid a sharp rise in hostile military activity between India and Pakistan. On Thursday night, Indian defence forces successfully intercepted and thwarted multiple Pakistani drone and missile strikes, including attempts to hit military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Sirsa.

These actions follow Pakistan’s continued use of kamikaze drones and missile launches, with the latest being the attempted Fatah-II missile strike toward Haryana’s Sirsa, which was intercepted by Indian missile defence systems. Earlier Saturday morning, multiple armed drones were seen flying over Khasa Cantt, Amritsar, which were promptly destroyed by Indian air defence units in Operation Sindoor.

These developments have pushed the country’s Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) zones into a state of heightened alert, especially across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Indian forces have also retaliated with precision missile strikes, reportedly targeting Pakistani air defence setups in several key locations, including Lahore.

AIIMS and Health Sector Mobilisation

With the looming threat of mass casualties, the health sector is being mobilized for potential high-pressure scenarios. According to internal circulars issued at AIIMS Nagpur and other medical hubs:

• Disaster wards have been prepped and staffed for 24x7 operation.

• Blood donation drives are being encouraged among local communities.

• Medical interns, residents, and nursing staff are being roped in for emergency rotations.

• Mobile medical units and ambulance fleets have been placed on standby, ready to move toward conflict-impacted regions at short notice.

Health experts have emphasized the need for psychological preparedness as well. “Such emergencies also require mental health support for trauma survivors and frontline medical workers. We are also activating counselling teams in coordination with NGOs and medical psychologists,” said a senior official from AIIMS Delhi.

Public Awareness and Support

Citizens are being urged to stay calm, follow official updates from the Ministry of Defence and Health Ministry, and avoid spreading misinformation. Hospitals have been instructed not to reveal sensitive movement or casualty data to the public to avoid panic or misuse of information.

People residing near the western borders, particularly in border districts of Punjab and Rajasthan, have been asked to stay indoors during air raid sirens and follow evacuation protocols if instructed. Health emergency helplines are being monitored round the clock.

Conclusion

The cancellation of leaves and implementation of emergency measures across India’s major medical institutions marks a critical step in the nation’s defence and humanitarian readiness. AIIMS Nagpur's response, echoed by the actions of hospitals in the national capital and beyond, demonstrates India’s resolve to safeguard its citizens not just through military strength, but through a fortified and proactive healthcare response.

As military engagements intensify along the western frontier, India’s medical infrastructure is preparing for all possible contingencies, ensuring that every injured soldier or civilian can access timely and efficient care. The coming days will test the coordination between defence forces, civil administration, and healthcare providers, and early signs show that India is leaving no stone unturned in staying prepared.

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