Uttarakhand Char-Dham Yatra: 50 health screening points on Yatra route, health ATMs to check vital signs

To facilitate the pilgrims traveling to Char-Dham in Uttarakhand, the state health department is prepared to install health ATMs on the Yatra route with 50 health check-up and screening points. The department has already started procuring equipment for hospitals in Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines. Not to leave any room for any lapse in healthcare during the yatra, the department has also invited doctors from other states who are willing to serve here.

Shri Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand

Dehradun: Aiming for a smooth and safe Char Dham Yatra this year, the state health department is making preparations on a war footing. As per the scheduled dates, Char Dham Yatra will formally begin this year with the opening of the doors of Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath Dham on May 10. Before the Yatra begins, the health department has completed all preparations to provide better health facilities to the pilgrims.

Purchase of equipment for the hospitals in the shrines of Badri-Kedar

The state tourism department has created a health column on the Yatra registration site where a person has to provide all his health details to get medical facilities in case of emergency. State Secretary for Health Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar also informed that procurement of quality medical equipment has been initiated for hospitals in Badri-Kedar shrines. According to him, the focus of the department is to improve healthcare on the Badrinath Dham and Kedarnath Dham yatra route.

Installation of 50 screening points on the Yatra route

In particular, the death of pilgrims is a matter of concern for the state government every yatra season. In 2023, more than 210 Char Dham pilgrims died due to extreme climatic conditions, cardiac arrests, lung problems and other ailments. Therefore, the health department has installed 50 screening points on the yatra route for the health facilities of the pilgrims. These screening points will examine 28 health parameters of pilgrims, including high blood pressure and diabetes.

SOP prepared in 11 languages

In a process to keep pilgrims well informed about healthcare facilities, the state health department has prepared the standard operating procedure (SOP) in eleven different languages. Dr. Kumar informed that the ministry has prepared the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in nine local languages, including Hindi, English, Gujarati, Marathi and Telugu, and sent them to external states. It would help pilgrims understand health-related guidelines in their own language.

Doctors from other states are also invited

Earlier, doctors from other states have shown their willingness to serve during Char Dham Yatra, so the Health Ministry has written letters to the health secretaries of all states seeking information about these doctors who were willing to render their services in the Yatra. Moreover, Swasthya Mitra (Medical Friends) will also be deployed at medical aid points with all necessary equipment including stock of medicines, oxygen cylinders and other items. Moreover, in addition to doctors, about six trained medical staff have been deployed at each medical aid station.

Important advice for pilgrims

In the SOP issued by the state health department, pilgrims are advised to plan the yatra for at least seven days. While trekking to the shrines of Kedarnath and Yamunotri, pilgrims should rest for five to ten minutes after every one to two hours. In addition, they are advised to bring warm clothes, a raincoat, an umbrella, a pulse oximeter and a thermometer for a health check. Passengers suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma or diabetes must keep necessary medicines and doctor’s number with them.

Special focus on Kedarnath Dham Yatra route

Despite arranging 10 medical posts and two primary health centers on the Kedarnath route, most of the health-related cases were reported from Kedarnath last year. Therefore, the health department is paying special attention to the Kedarnath Yatra route. Besides installing health ATMs on the Kedarnath route, the department has also provided doctors, medical staff, oxygen cylinders and medicines.

Facility of telemedicine service for the pilgrims

All vital measures such as blood pressure, sugar level, weight, height, body temperature, amount of oxygen in the body etc. are checked in the health ATMs. Minister of Health Dr. Rajesh Kumar said that the telemedicine service will also be retained for the pilgrims. This means that advice from expert doctors can be obtained 24 hours a day in the event of a serious condition.