PURI: Around 750 devotees had to be taken to hospital due to exhaustion and crowd pressure during Rath Yatra on Friday, health authorities said.
Officials said more than 230 devotees were admitted to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), while around 520 others were treated at the district headquarters hospital (DHH).
While most were discharged after first aid, one critically ill devotee was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hsopital, Cuttack, for advanced treatment. At least 12 patients are in the ICU.
To ensure swift medical aid, a dedicated ambulance corridor was set up along the Grand Road. Nearly 600 volunteers formed a human chain to facilitate ambulance movement through the crowd.
As part of the special health arrangements for Rath Yatra, an additional 378 doctors from outside districts were deployed in Puri. Besides, 265 extra hospital beds were arranged to accommodate patients.
According to Puri Chief District Medical Officer Dr Kishore Satapathy, several people experienced minor injuries, vomiting, and fainting mainly due to the overcrowded conditions during the Rath Yatra.
Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling attributed the illnesses to the sweltering heat and high humidity.
An official said around 70 individuals were being treated at the District Headquarters Hospital in Puri, with nine reported to be in critical condition.
Sources added that some injuries occurred near the Balagandi area, where Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, Taladhwaja, was stuck for over an hour.
"The prolonged stoppage led to heavy crowding, and several people were injured while trying to escape the packed area," the official said.
Those injured were swiftly taken to hospitals with help from volunteers affiliated with both government bodies and private organisations.
(With inputs from PTI)