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The Char Dham yatra in Uttarakhand will require pilgrims to fill out a medical screening form that includes past medical history of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiac problems, asthma, breathing issues, and blood pressure. Pilgrims are advised to plan a trip of at least seven days and take short breaks to acclimatize to high altitudes. Those who are advised not to undertake the yatra should avoid it. Covid-appropriate behavior is also advised. Health touch-points have been set up at various locations for pilgrims to get checkups. Medical relief posts, primary health centers, community health centers, and district hospitals have prepared for the yatra. A workshop was organized to provide training on high altitude related medical illnesses to doctors and paramedical staff of Uttarakhand health and medical education department.
In line with the latest update, pilgrims planning to undertake the Char Dham yatra in Uttarakhand are required to fill a medical screening form this year. The move is aimed at understanding the medical history of the pilgrims and ensuring they are fit to undertake the arduous journey. Lifestyle diseases are at the core of medical screening during registration, and among the details that are being asked for are past history of diabetes, cardiac problems, asthma, breathing issues, and blood pressure.
The secretary of health department, Rajesh Kumar, has shared an advisory for the pilgrims planning to undertake the yatra. The advisory includes planning a trip of at least seven days, which includes short breaks of one to two hours to get sufficient time to acclimatize as weather can be erratic at high altitudes. Also, in case the doctor advises not to undertake the yatra, then one must avoid it. Those who do take the journey are advised to follow Covid-appropriate behavior.
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Various health touch-points have been set up at different locations for pilgrims who can refer to a map to find a kiosk and get a checkup done. Various medical relief posts, primary health centers, community health centers, and district hospitals have prepared for the yatra.
The district magistrates (DM) of Garhwal region where the four shrines are located have been instructed to advise the pilgrims to take the necessary precautions. The DMs have been asked to ensure that the pilgrims plan their trip well in advance and to avoid any last-minute rush. They have also been told to advise the pilgrims to carry adequate warm clothing and to avoid carrying heavy luggage.
The Char Dham yatra is one of the most popular pilgrimages in India, and millions of devotees undertake the journey every year. The yatra involves visiting four shrines – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri – located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The yatra is considered to be a test of endurance and devotion, and many pilgrims undertake the journey despite the difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions.
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To ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, the health department has organized a workshop aimed at providing training on high altitude related medical illnesses to doctors and paramedical staff of Uttarakhand health and medical education department who will be deployed at the Char Dham yatra. The workshop was organized by AIIMS-Rishikesh on Wednesday.
In the long run, the Char Dham yatra is a significant pilgrimage for many devotees, and the health department’s advisory and medical screening form are aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the pilgrims. Pilgrims are advised to plan their trip well in advance, carry adequate warm clothing, and follow Covid-appropriate behavior. The health touch-points and medical relief posts have been set up at various locations to provide medical assistance to the pilgrims. The workshop aimed at providing training on high altitude-related medical illnesses to doctors and paramedical staff is a welcome move that will ensure that the pilgrims receive the best possible medical attention during the yatra.
