Chardham Yatra is going to start from May 10 in Uttarakhand. In order to make the journey easy, safe and well organized, the government has finalized the preparations. Specialist doctors are being deployed on the Chardham Yatra route. A total of 180 doctors will be posted in hospitals located on the Chardham Yatra route on rotation during the Yatra. Besides, cooperation of doctors from private sector is also being taken.
Health ATM at 50 places
It has been decided to install health ATMs at 50 places on the travel routes. Health checkup is being made mandatory for passengers above 50 years of age. However, reducing the number of deaths due to heart attacks on the Chardham Yatra route will be a big challenge. Last year, 247 pilgrims died during the yatra. Besides, the challenge will also be to stop adulterated food items on the yatra route and to control the complaints of selling food items at high prices. The kind of enthusiasm that is being seen regarding the registration of Chardham Yatra in the state, it is clear that this year the Yatra will set new paradigms. Last year, a record more than 56 lakh devotees had come for the Chardham Yatra. Since the Chardhams of the state are in the high Himalayan regions, maintaining smooth health services on the travel routes is no less than a challenge.
Be it the issue of deployment of specialist doctors on the yatra route or deployment of adequate number of paramedical staff, these always pose a big challenge to the department. However, this time the department claims that better arrangements have been made on the Yatra route than before. Last year, 247 deaths on the Yatra route had served as a mirror to the health system.
Health checkup mandatory for persons above 50 years of age
The Health Department has made health checkup mandatory for all devotees above 50 years of age coming on Chardham Yatra this year. Although no one will be stopped from progressing, they will be advised to take rest or seek proper treatment first. Even during registration, devotees have been asked to give their health related details, so that proper treatment can be given if needed.
50 screening centers on the travel route
The Health Department has set up 50 screening centers on the Yatra route for the convenience of the pilgrims coming for the Yatra. These screening centers have been kept along with the registration centers. In this, devotees will be examined on 28 parameters including high blood pressure and diabetes.
Appeal to doctors from other states
Apart from Uttarakhand, doctors from other states are also willing to provide their services during the Chardham Yatra. In view of this, the Health Department has appealed to all the states to provide the list of all the doctors from their states who want to provide their services on the Yatra route.
Health ATM will be installed at 50 places
This year, like last year, health ATMs will be installed at 50 places in the state. The government has asked the CMOs and CMS of all the districts to repair the health ATMs. Blood pressure, sugar, weight, height, body temperature, amount of oxygen in the body etc. will be checked in the Health ATM. The technical staff working in Health ATMs has also been trained.
deployment of health friends
This year the condition of health relief centers in the state has been better than before. Health Mitras will be deployed here as per requirement, who will provide all possible assistance in the treatment of sick devotees. Stock of medicines, oxygen cylinders and all other necessary equipment will be kept in the health relief centres.
Special focus on Kedarnath Dham Yatra route
This year the Health Department has given special focus on the Kedarnath Yatra route. Along with 10 health relief posts, two PHC centers have also been established here. Travelers will also get the facility of Health ATM on the Kedarnath Yatra route. Health ATMs are being established at Primary Health Center Guptkashi, Primary Health Center Phata, Primary Health Center Gaurikund and Madhav Chikitsalay, Narayankoti.
Guidelines for Pilgrims
The Health Department has issued Standard Operating Procedure for passengers coming from across the country.
In this, devotees have been advised to plan Chardham Yatra for at least seven days.
While climbing Kedarnath and Yamunotri Dham on foot, take rest for 5 to 10 minutes after every one to two hours.
Carry warm clothes for travelling, raincoat for protection from rain, umbrella, pulse oximeter and thermometer for health check-up.
Passengers suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes should keep necessary medicines and doctor’s number with them.
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or vomiting during travel, seek first aid at the nearest primary health center or health relief center.
