Char Dham Yatra: Uttarakhand govt makes extensive health care measures, establishes new medical facility in Kedarnath

The Uttarakhand government is putting in place extensive measures to ensure that high-quality health care services are accessible to pilgrims during the Char Dham Yatra that commences on April 30.

 

Besides ensuring that all permanent and temporary medical units are fully equipped with necessary medicines, equipment, and trained staff, a comprehensive health advisory in 13 languages will be available to pilgrims via QR codes at hotels, restaurants and parking areas. Health awareness will also be promoted through strategically placed hoardings at congestion-prone areas and major stops.

 

At Kedarnath, a 17-bed facility is nearing completion with two floors to be operational before the Yatra begins. Besides the regular services, it will also have specialist orthopaedic services.

 

At Phata, near Kedarnath, 12 medical units have been set up along the way. Located 32 kilometres from Kedarnath, it has an open area for landing choppers during the Yatra. There will be screening teams at 12 designated areas around the helipads and parking areas.

 

At Chamoli, which is en route to Badrinath, 20 medical units will become operational in addition to four major screening points at Gochhar Barrier, Pandukeshwar Bazaar, Trauma Center Karnapraya, and Panduwakhal (Gairsain). Duty schedules for medical staff have already been confirmed.

For the Gangotri-Yamunotri route, all medical units are in place and staff deployment will start on April 28. Ambulances will be positioned all along the route. Check-ups will be mandatory for pilgrims over 50 years.

 

As regards deployment of medical personnel, specialist doctors from other districts will be deployed on 15-day rotations. There will be a Central government appointee for Badrinath/Joshimath. Support infrastructure includes 121 staff nurses, 26 pharmacists, 309 oxygen beds, six ICU beds, 13 departmental ambulances, 17 1 ambulances, one blood bank and two blood storage units.

 

In addition to three existing medical relief posts (MRPs), five new ones are being set up in Gochhar, Nangsu, Mandal, Katora and Hanumanchatti.

In addition, food safety measures have also been put in place. There will be regular quality checks of food items along the Yatra route. A mobile food safety van will be deployed for continuous inspection and on-spot testing.

India