Sabarimala pilgrims, staff should take vaccine and carry RTPCR certificates; Health Department formulates action plan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George said that the health department has formulated an action plan to provide better health services in connection with the Sabarimala pilgrimage. As the Covid situation hasn't changed completely, the action plan was formulated with that in mind as well. While ensuring the safety of pilgrims and staff, focus will be given to the control and prevention of other infectious diseases. The Minister said that an action plan has been prepared for holding a safe Sabarimala Makaravilakku Festival in accordance with the Central Government and the State Specific Covid Protocol.

All pilgrims and staff should carry a certificate of two doses of the vaccine and an RTPCR certificate taken within 72 hours. People with other related ailments and those who have been infected with Covid in less than three months should avoid Sabarimala darshan as much as possible as it can lead to heart problems.

Pilgrims on foot from Pampa to Sannidhanam are at risk of health problems such as excessive heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain and sometimes even a heart attack. The Department of Health will set up emergency treatment centers in these areas to deal effectively with such problems. Emergency medical centres and oxygen parlors will be set up at five locations along the journey from Pampa to Sannidhanam. There is a facility for pilgrims to relax, take oxygen, check first aid and check blood pressure. Trained staff nurses, including an automated external defibrillator, will be available at these centers 24 hours a day for pilgrims suffering from heart attacks. If you experience any difficulties while traveling, you can seek the services of the Health Department.

Specialist dispensaries will be set up at Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilakkal, Charalmedu (Ayyappan Road) and Erumeli. There will also be an emergency operation theatre at Sannidhanam. Apart from this, facilities are being provided at Pathanamthitta General Hospital, Erumeli CHC and Kanjirapally Taluk Headquarters. Kottayam Medical College will provide good facilities for the pilgrims.

The State Health Agency has empaneled government and private hospitals in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts to ensure special treatment for pilgrims. Pilgrims with KASP cards can get free treatment from empaneled government and private hospitals. Those without a card can seek treatment at government hospitals.

Staff, including doctors from different districts, will be deployed here for essential medical services. Specialist doctors in cardiology, general medicine, orthopedics, pulmonology, surgery and anesthesia will be available at various centres in Sabarimala.

The director of the health department oversees all the activities at Sabarimala at the state level. In addition, the health department's additional director, nodal officer and an assistant nodal officer will lead the activities there. The Medical Officer of Pathanamthitta District will act as the nodal officer in charge of the District.