By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 27 Mar: Preparations for the Char Dham Yatra 2025 are in full swing in the state. With the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri set to open on 30 April, Kedarnath on 2 May, and Badrinath on 4 May, the state government claims to be focusing heavily on enhancing health measures for pilgrims.
Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar has outlined initiatives to ensure safe and efficient travel, in line with the directives from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat. Special advisories and SOPs have been issued in 12 languages to tackle geographical and climate challenges faced by pilgrims. Additionally, letters have been sent to health secretaries across states, urging widespread promotion of pre-travel health screenings, awareness, and medical preparations.
Pilgrims visiting high-altitude shrines such as Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri face tough conditions like low oxygen levels, challenging terrain, and harsh weather. The state government advises pilgrims to conduct mandatory health checkups and prepare thoroughly before embarking on their journey.
Screening points, emergency services, and heli-pad locations are being set up to assist the pilgrims. The government has launched a campaign to disseminate health guidelines nationwide. Pamphlets highlighting health precautions, such as hydration, balanced diets, and carrying essential medicines, have been shared. Officials are also prioritising the deployment of doctors, medical staff, oxygen cylinders, and medicines at key points to minimise health-related issues during the yatra.
Advisory for Pilgrims issued has recommended that pilgrims undergo mandatory health checkups before the journey; they start walking exercises and pranayama two months in advance. That they carry essential medications and adequate woollen clothing and that during the journey they stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. In addition, the pilgrims have also been urged to utilise the services of screening centres and medical relief posts along the route.
Doctors specialising in cardiology, orthopaedics, and surgery have been urged to volunteer for at least 15 days at hospitals along the yatra route. This initiative aims to provide better healthcare services for pilgrims and promote human service among medical professionals.
It may also be reminded here that awareness Campaign Health-related materials have been distributed across states to ensure pilgrims are informed about safety measures. District level officials have been instructed to disseminate this material locally for broader awareness among the pilgrims.
Health Secretary Rajesh Kumar has shared plans to establish screening points to monitor blood pressure, sugar levels, and oxygen levels, among other health parameters. These points are integrated with registration facilities to ensure comprehensive health checks before the journey. Additionally, medical relief posts staffed with trained personnel and health volunteers will be set up along the route.
Given the challenges faced by the pilgrims particularly on the Kedarnath route, the government has strengthened health services in the area. Ten medical relief posts and two PHCs will be operational along the pathway, with health ATMs installed at key locations such as Guptkashi, Fata, Gaurikund, and Narayan Koti to provide free health screenings.
