Shimla, May 9 -- As tensions continue to escalate between India and Pakistan, the Himachal government on Thursday cancelled long leaves of all doctors and allied medical staff in the state.

The government instructed all hospitals to be on alert and ensure adequate availability of beds. Trauma centres, laboratories and emergency services will remain operational 24 hours, officials said.

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's media adviser Naresh Chauhan said, "Hospitals have been instructed to make adequate arrangements for medicines, oxygen and other essential materials. Staff will also be given special training to deal with emergency situations".

He added, "The operating procedures being issued by the Centre are being followed. We ha...