Health screening of more than 94,000 ‘Char Dham Yatra pilgrims done: Director General Health Dr. Vineeta Shah

Health screening of more than 94,000 ‘Char Dham Yatra pilgrims done: Director General Health Dr. Vineeta Shah

Dehradun, May 17

With the start of ‘Char Dham Yatra’ in Uttarakhand to the Hindu holy revered shrine of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri in Garhwal Himlayas, Uttarakhand Director General of Health Dr. Vineeta Shah has appealed to the pilgrims to take special care of their health during the Yatra. She said that devotees should consult their doctor before setting out on the journey and ensure that they are physically fit for the journey. Already, a dozen pilgrims have died due to various ailments during the arduous journey to these holy places high in the Himalayas.

Director General of Health Dr. Vineeta Shah said that like previous year, this time also,  the Uttarakhand health department is fully prepared to provide various health related facilities to the pilgrims during the yatra. She informed that till now health screening of more than 94,218 devotees has been done during ‘Char Dham Yatra’ route and more than 18,989 OPDs have been done.

Dr. Vineeta Shah informed that special health centers have been set up at every Dham where 24×7 medical facilities are available. A team of doctors, nurses and trained health workers are deployed at each health center. Mobile medical units have been set up at various places on the Yatra route which provide medical assistance to the pilgrims as and when required. Health check-up camps have been organized on the main routes and base camps of the Yatra where blood pressure, sugar level, and other general health check-ups are being done.

She further said that pilgrims should follow regular exercise and proper diet so that their stamina remains intact. “They should keep your regular medicines and essential medicines in sufficient quantity and also carry the necessary medicines for problems occurring at high altitude,” she added.

She further said that keeping in mind the cold and snowfall at high altitude, the pilgrims should have warm clothes, head gears, gloves and good shoes and carry appropriate equipment and items for trekking. Elaborating on the do’s and donot’s during the pilgrimage, she said that pilgrims should drink pure water and keep enough water with them and eat light, nutritious and easily digestible food avoiding heavy food during the journey. She advised that while climbing a height, they should adapt slowly and give rest to their bodies at regular intervals avoiding excessive fatigue. In case of breathlessness or fatigue in the high altitude area, they should immediately consult the nearest health center or move to a lower altitude.

Director General of Health Dr. Vineeta Shah said that pilgrims can contact the department’s 24×7 toll free helpline numbers 104, 18001801200 and 01357156104 for any health related information and assistance. She appealed that pilgrims should follow all the rules during the journey and make their journey pleasant and safe.