Srinagar, Dec 09 (KNO): The Health & Medical Education Department of Jammu & Kashmir has restored all cardiac procedures at Jammu’s Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) within hours after four suppliers under the Amrit Pharmacy network suddenly halted the supply of essential cardiac devices and stents on 08 December 2025, allegedly due to delayed payments.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the abrupt stoppage—executed without any prior notice—put critical heart-care services at risk and amounted to a grave threat to patient safety, especially since SSH Jammu performs all cardiac procedures entirely cashless under the AB-PMJAY SEHAT scheme.
Taking serious note of the disruption, the department directed Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu to activate emergency procurement by arranging supplies from other authorised institutions, including: AIIMS Vijaypur, GMC Srinagar, SKIMS Soura and PGIMER Chandigarh, an official said.
These quick interventions ensured that procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, angiography, and CCU management resumed without delay, he added.
The government has initiated multiple actions to hold the guilty accountable and prevent any recurrence. These include immediate supply restoration through alternate authorised vendors as per essential service norms, Drug Controller J&K initiating action against involved establishments for violating drug-safety and patient-safety regulations, Criminal complaint filed, supported by CCTV evidence, regarding alleged theft and unlawful removal of cardiac stents.
A high-level inquiry was ordered to examine all circumstances leading to the disruption, identify lapses, and propose systemic safeguards. The JKMSCL has been directed to expedite rate contracts for cardiac implants to ensure long-term, stable supply chains.
The Health & Medical Education Department reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to life-saving cardiac care across Jammu & Kashmir.
Officials said that any action endangering patient lives will be dealt with strictly and transparently.
The department said it remains vigilant and fully dedicated to safeguarding public health, strengthening medical infrastructure, and ensuring the timely availability of all critical supplies—(KNO)