Seminar stresses ‘mandatory health checkup, gradual ascent’ for Char Dham pilgrims

Dehradun: Renowned cardiologist and Padma Shri awardee, professor Dr SC Manchanda, while issuing advisories for Char Dham pilgrims, stressed the need for mandatory pre-travel health check-ups, gradual ascent to higher altitudes and adequate acclimatisation. He advised travellers to halt at moderate altitudes for the first one or two days, as all four shrines are located at high elevations.Dr Manchanda and medical experts from different states were participating in the deliberations during the one-day seminar on ‘Medical Problems and Road Accidents Safety Measures during the Char Dham Yatra'. It was organised at the Lok Bhawan in Dehradun by Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Uttarakhand Medical Education University (HNBUMU) on Wednesday.The seminar featured multiple sessions, including a book launch and technical discussions on different medical and health concerns faced by pilgrims and the medical staff during the yatra season.Senior cardiologist Dr Bhanu Duggal, vice chancellor of HNBUMU, said, "Travelers should regularly monitor their health—specifically by checking their pulse oxygen levels and blood pressure—take their prescribed medications regularly, and immediately contact the nearest medical facility in the event of any warning symptoms." Dr Pankaj Singh, head of orthopedics, Govt Medical College, Haldwani, said three key precautions -- vehicle readiness, driver preparedness and appropriate response in case of emergencies can be the gamechanger in curbing road accidents.Uttarakhand health minister Subodh Uniyal highlighted that timely medical intervention could save numerous lives, and called for strengthening the emergency medical response infrastructure and enhancing trauma care facilities.A handbook on ‘Travel Advisory for Char Dham Pilgrimage' was also launched. Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (retd) asserted that ‘caution alongside faith' should serve as the guiding mantra for the Char Dham Yatra which is all set to resume later this month.