Sabarimala pilgrimage: Medical services provided to 2,56,399 pilgrims; 79% of heart attack patients saved

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George said that a total of 2,56,399 pilgrims received medical services through health centres set up in connection with the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Treatment was provided to 49,256 pilgrims at Pampa, 10,221 at Neelimala, 12,476 at Appachimedu, 99,607 at Sannidhanam, 19,593 at Charalmedu, and 24,025 at Nilakkal.

In addition, 64,754 pilgrims were given medical care through emergency medical centres arranged along the forest route and on the Pampa–Sannidhanam path. Emergency services, including CPR, were provided to reduce the death rate to the maximum extent possible. Minister Veena George congratulated all health workers for delivering excellent medical services.

Treatment was given for minor illnesses as well as serious conditions such as heart attacks. During the Sabarimala pilgrimage, the lives of 206 pilgrims who suffered heart attacks were saved. Timely medical intervention helped save nearly 79 percent of heart attack patients. Although more pilgrims suffered heart attacks this year compared to last year, an even higher number of lives were saved. Treatment was provided to 131 patients for epilepsy.

A total of 891 pilgrims with serious health issues were referred from emergency medical centres to other hospitals at Sabarimala, while 834 patients were referred from the Sabarimala hospital to other hospitals.

Extensive health services were arranged under the leadership of the Health Department as part of the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The control room at Pampa functioned around the clock. Health workers and staff capable of handling multiple languages were deployed. Special facilities were arranged in hospitals linked to Sabarimala. Konni Medical College functioned as the base hospital, and special beds were arranged for pilgrims at Kottayam Medical College. Beds were also arranged and the availability of medicines was ensured at major government hospitals located along the pilgrimage route. Strong awareness campaigns were conducted in multiple languages. Food safety inspections were strengthened. Services from the AYUSH department were also ensured. Expanded ambulance services, including KANIV 108, were arranged.