Summary
In preparation for the Char Dham Yatra 2023, the Chief Secretary has announced new arrangements to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers. Before embarking on the journey, passengers will be required to provide their medical history during registration. Additionally, the authorities will provide information about potential health problems and remedies through calls, messages, and audio messages. These measures are being put in place to ensure that passengers are informed and prepared for any health-related issues that may arise during their pilgrimage.
Expansion
For the upcoming Chardham Yatra, authorities have implemented new measures to ensure the health and safety of devotees. Specifically, all devotees aged 55 and above will be required to undergo mandatory health checks. Even younger devotees who appear to be unwell will also be examined at the medical relief camp. To facilitate this process, the Tourism Department is collecting medical history information from pilgrims who have registered for the yatra. These efforts aim to identify any health issues early on and provide timely medical assistance to those in need, thereby ensuring a safe and successful pilgrimage.
The Chief Secretary, Dr. SS Sandhu, held a meeting with officials from the Health and Tourism Departments to discuss health services during the upcoming Chardham Yatra. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need to increase health facilities along the yatra routes in order to improve safety and ensure a successful pilgrimage. He directed officials to make every possible effort to enhance health services and ensure that pilgrims have access to necessary medical care throughout their journey. These efforts reflect a commitment to providing a safe and comfortable experience for all Chardham Yatra devotees.
In a recent meeting attended by the Secretary of Tourism, the Secretary of Health, the Director General of Health, and other related department officers, it was decided that medical history information should be collected from all passengers who register for the Chardham Yatra. In addition, all devotees aged 55 and above will undergo mandatory health checks during the pilgrimage. For younger devotees who appear unwell, medical check-ups will also be conducted at the medical relief camps. To ensure that pilgrims are informed and prepared for any potential health issues, information about health problems and relevant remedies will be provided through calls, messages, and audio messages after registration. These measures aim to increase the safety and well-being of all Chardham Yatra devotees.
Medical relief camps will be increased on the yatra routes,
To enhance the health and safety of Chardham Yatra devotees, the number of medical relief camps and first responders along the walking routes will be increased. In addition, hotel and Dharamshala operators will be encouraged to make arrangements for first responders so that the health problems faced by pilgrims staying in these accommodations can be promptly addressed. This approach not only benefits the pilgrims but also creates employment opportunities for paramedical professionals. The Chief Secretary directed the Health Department to provide training to unemployed youth interested in these positions. By increasing the number of medical personnel and promoting their training and employment, this initiative aims to ensure that Chardham Yatra pilgrims have access to the best possible medical care throughout their journey.
There will be separate uniforms for personnel posted in health services
The government has decided to provide separate uniforms for doctors, first responders, and health workers who will be deployed to provide health facilities during the Chardham Yatra. A specific color for these uniforms will be chosen to help devotees easily identify these health services and workers from a distance. To ensure that this plan is practical and effective, input will be solicited from employees who have served in past Chardham Yatras to identify potential challenges and develop solutions. The government is also seeking applications from doctors who are willing to work during the yatra. By providing distinctive uniforms and attracting qualified medical professionals, this initiative aims to improve the visibility and accessibility of health services for Chardham Yatra pilgrims.
