The health department in Rudraprayag has been put on high alert as the number of pilgrims visiting Kedarnath temple crossed five lakh amid a steady rise in the number of visitors during the ongoing pilgrimage season.
Due to the increasing crowding, the Health Department is also working on full alert and continuously providing medical services to pilgrims.
According to the Department of Health, about 52,000 pilgrims have undergone health examination through primary health centers and various medical units so far, while more than 62,000 patients have received examination and treatment through outpatient services. Medical teams deployed along the Yatra route and in the shrine area are providing immediate treatment to sick and injured worshipers.
Speaking about the arrangements, Dr Ram Prakash, Chief Medical Officer, Rudraprayag, said: “A large number of pilgrims have arrived in Kedarnath. This number has now reached nearly 500,000. We have screened around 52,000 pilgrims so far, and nearly 62,000 consultations have been conducted in outpatient clinics across various medical facilities located along the pilgrim routes stretching across different districts.”
Highlighting the emergency response measures, he said the department provided ambulance services to 150 patients, while 26 critically ill patients were airlifted through helicopter services from the Nabah facility and other difficult terrain points along the way. Health teams also maintain constant surveillance along the flight path.
Dr Prakash also said that ECG-based screening has been introduced this year to identify heart complications among pilgrims undertaking a high-altitude journey.
“This year, ECG machines are being used as part of the screening process. Through this specialized equipment, several cases of myocardial infarction have been detected. In the past five days alone, nearly eight myocardial infarction cases have been referred. Some patients underwent thrombolysis, while others were referred for advanced treatment. All were successfully evacuated from the rugged terrain of Kedarnath and various trekking points,” he added.
He also appealed to devotees to take special precautions and advised that they should carefully study weather conditions and health risks before bringing young children to Kedarnath Yatra, as extreme cold at the shrine could adversely affect their health. Therefore, he urged pilgrims to avoid taking young children on Hajj.
The chief military observer also stated that medical teams, emergency units and screening facilities remain spread across the yatra route in view of the increasing influx of devotees. (that I)
