What are the medical facilities and emergency services for a safe Chardham journey?
The Char Dham Yatra attracts devotees from all over the world to Uttarakhand, which is one of the state’s most popular pilgrimages. For this spiritually relevant pilgrimage, the sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath are all visited. The Chardham yatra is traditionally taken from west to east.
The availability of necessary medical facilities along the Chardham route is crucial because of the possible health risks associated with the mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, and long hikes. In addition to monitoring via the e-health Dham portal, the state government and health authorities have taken steps to guarantee the safety of pilgrims for a healthy journey.
Significance of Providing Medical Services for Pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra
- During this sacred journey, essential medical care must be ensured to manage altitude-related ailments and acute mountain sickness.
- Immediate medical care will ensure a smooth and safe journey for all the pilgrims.
Accessibility of Medical Services on the Char Dham Route
Major Medical Centers
- Yamunotri: Primary Health Centers are equipped for immediate and basic care.
- Gangotri: Mobile medical units are deployed to give sudden health assessments.
- Kedarnath: A new hospital with 17 beds to serve the needs of the devotees.
- Badrinath: A new 45-bed hospital to help with medical emergencies.
Mobile Medical Units & Pharmacy
- Mobile clinics with medicines, doctors, and paramedics are available to provide immediate first aid services throughout the Char Dham season.
- There is a comprehensive health advisory in 13 languages that can be accessed via QR codes in public spaces.
- Pharmacy services are available in permanent and temporary settings.
Trained Medical Staff
- In addition, 25 specialist doctors will be appointed to provide swift medical services.
- 37 new primary health centers were set up in nearby districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, and Tehri to monitor the health of pilgrims.
- 121 staff nurses, 26 pharmacists, 6 ICU beds, and 309 oxygen beds are also provided to ensure that all the medical needs are met without delay.
Emergency Medical Services on the Char Dham Route
Ambulance Services
- Advanced 17 life support ambulances are included in 154 ambulances throughout the route.
- 108 emergency ambulance: The 108 emergency service uses ambulances to deliver emergency medical care at strategic locations.
Services for Air and Boat Ambulance
Ambulance Services
- Helicopter Ambulances: AIIMS Rishikesh offers patients quick evacuation services.
- Boat Ambulances: To facilitate the prompt transfer of patients, boat ambulance services are set up on Tehri Lake.
Emergency Helpline Numbers
National Emergency Number | 112 |
Emergency Medical Response | 108 |
Online Services/International Pilgrims Help Line | +91 7060728843 |
Disaster Management Control Room | 0135-2710232, 0135-2710233 |
Common High-Altitude Health Issues
To tackle health issues like acute mountain sickness (AMS), dehydration, and hypoxia, the medical centers are well-equipped with oxygen cylinders, BP monitors, portable ventilators, and other necessary medical equipment.
Medical Screening for Preventive Care
Mandatory health check-ups are provided for pilgrims aged 60 and above at Rishikesh and Haridwar, through which vital signs, ECG, and other general fitness checks are conducted.
How to Stay Safe During the Char Dham Yatra?
To make your trip memorable and safe, here are some tips for pilgrims:
Preparation before the journey
- Prevention is always better than a cure. If you are someone who is already facing lifestyle health issues or other physical ailments, consult a doctor and take necessary medical advice.
- Regularly start exercising or adapt some cardio into your routine a few weeks before the journey to prepare your body.
- Choosing a reliable and experienced travel agency like Dharmik Paryatan – the best travel agency in Haridwar—ensures a safe and smooth journey.
- Necessary medicines and a first aid kit must be kept for personal use. Always keep a copy of your prescriptions with you.
- Note down all the emergency helpline numbers and keep a physical copy of them with you.
- A list of your emergency contacts must be provided to the travel operator.
- Have healthy and balanced meals and avoid heavy, oily food during the journey.
To know more about the essential things to carry for the Chardham Yatra, click here.
Conclusion
Preparing and planning will reduce the unwanted hassles and ensure a smooth and comfortable spiritual journey. The government’s effective health care services and the emergency medical system’s accessibility have made the trip much simpler than it was previously.
You have to select a travel partner who prioritizes and takes care of the medical and physical comfort of their customers. Dharmik Paryatan provides the best travel packages in Haridwar and is verified by many satisfied customers for their sustainable travel packages and other emergency support facilities.
The ultimate aim of the Chardham journey is to endure and test your faith to attain a deep spiritual realization.
