Char Dham Yatra: Health advisory issued for pilgrims

With Uttarakhand’s Char Dham yatra all set to start in a couple of days, a health advisory has been issued for the pilgrims. This has been announced by Dr R. Rajesh Kumar, who is the secretary of state health department.

As per the guidelines, since all the pilgrimage sites are set in the high Himalayan region, and would be at more than 2,700 m above the sea level, there are chances that travellers might get affected by low humidity, extreme cold, low humidity, low oxygen content and low air pressure.
Further, some of the guidelines issued by the Government include a thorough health check-up before heading out for the yatra; people with pre-existing illnesses are advised to carry adequate supplies of prescribed medicines along with prescriptions, and contact details of their respective physicians.

Also, for all people and senior citizens with comorbidities, or those who had suffered from COVID-19, the Government has asked them to consider postponing or not to undertake the pilgrimage at all.
The government health advisory further added that patients suffering from respiratory ailments, heart diseases, hypertension, and diabetes, should be extra cautious while undertaking travel to high altitudes. All those who feel sick, experience headaches, nausea-like symptoms, and drowsiness during the yatra are advised to seek immediate medical assistance.

The advisory also advised people to avoid consumption of alcohol and other drugs and refrain from smoking. Plus, they are also advised to keep themselves well-hydrated and avoid travelling on empty stomachs.
Informing more about the National Ambulance Service, the advisory adds that in case of emergencies, helpline numbers - 108 - National Ambulance Service and 104- Uttarakhand Health Helpline - can be contacted.