17-bed hosp at Kedarnath to be ready for Char Dham Yatra

Dehradun: Uttarakhand health department is set to operationalise a 17-bed hospital at Kedarnath to handle medical emergencies during the Char Dham Yatra, which will begin on April 22, officials said on Tuesday.Director general, health and family welfare, Dr Sunita Tamta, said nearly 90% of the facility is ready and equipment has been installed. "It will become operational once the yatra begins," she said.She added that around 400 medical graduates will be deployed along the yatra route across Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi and Chamoli districts, covering the shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.During the yatra period, about 229 specialist doctors from the health department, govt medical colleges and private institutes will be deployed on a rotational, fortnightly basis. Officials said if any gap remains, the ministry of health will be approached.Medical experts said most deaths during the yatra occur due to cardiopulmonary ailments, particularly among elderly pilgrims and those with comorbidities. Last year, around 159 people died due to health-related issues, with cardiac arrest and high-altitude conditions cited as major causes.All four shrines are located at altitudes above 10,000 ft, posing challenges due to terrain and weather, especially for those with diabetes and hypertension. Data from previous years shows most casualties are reported at Kedarnath, followed by Yamunotri.Health minister Dhan Singh Rawat said 177 ambulances, including road, air and water units, will be deployed. "There will be 25 medical relief posts and 33 health screening points on the route, along with swasthya mitras," he said.Pilgrims have been advised to register on the e-Swasthya Dham portal for health-related information and protocols.