Uttarakhand: Unique initiative of health department, SOP of Chardham Yatra issued in 9 languages for the convenience of passengers
Today, with the opening of the doors of Lord Bradivishal with complete rituals, the Char Dham Yatra has started formally. The doors of Yamunotri, Gangotri and Baba Kedar Dham have already opened. As soon as the Chardham Yatra is officially started, the Uttarakhand Health Department is fully prepared for the Chardham Yatra. Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar is continuously giving necessary instructions along with taking updates from the officials related to the health facilities of the four dhams. Keeping in view the convenience of Chardham Yatris, on the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat, for the first time, the Health Department has issued new SOPs for travel in 9 languages. Along with mother tongue Hindi, this SOP has been issued today in Tamil, Odia, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati and English. Talking to the media while releasing the SOP, Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar said that SOP has been issued in a total of 9 languages including Hindi. The issuance of SOP in the local language will facilitate the passengers. Passengers coming on Chardham Yatra will come for the yatra with complete preparation after studying the complete SOP. Appealing to the passengers, the Health Secretary said that they should come on the journey with full preparation. Do not make any kind of haste during the journey. Adapt your body to the traveling environment for a smooth and safe journey. When your body adapts to the environment then start traveling again. In case of any health related problem, contact the nearest medical unit.
Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar said that all the pilgrimage sites in the Chardham Yatra are located in the high Himalayan region, whose height is more than 2700 meters above sea level. In those places, the travelers have to face extreme cold, low humidity, extreme ultra violet radiation, less wind. Can be affected by pressure and low oxygen content. Therefore, the following guidelines are being issued for the smooth and safe journey of all the pilgrims.
Before travel
1- Planning, preparing, packing:- Focusing on prevention can help you stay safe during your travels. Please ensure medical and trek preparation before your trip. It is important to plan, prepare, and pack for the high altitude sickness can cause.
Make a plan
1- Plan your trip for at least 7 days, allow time for acclimatization Plan for multiple breaks Take a break of 5-10 minutes, after every one hour on the track or every 2 hours of an automobile climb .
To prepare
1-Practice breathing exercises for 5-10 minutes daily
2-Walk daily for 20-30 minutes
3- If the traveler is 55 years of age or has a history of heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, or diabetes 4- Get a health checkup done to ensure fitness for travel
Pack up
1- Warm clothes Woolen sweater, dharmal, puffer jacket, gloves socks rain gear raincoat, umbrella
2- Health Screening Equipment Pulse Oximeter, Thermometer For passengers with pre-existing conditions (Heart Disease, Hypertension, Asthma, Diabetes)-
3- Carry all necessary medicine, test equipments and contact number of your home doctor.
Pay attention
1- Please check the weather report before your trip, and make sure you have enough warm clothes to manage in cold temperatures.
2- If your doctors advise against traveling, please do not travel
What to keep in mind while traveling
1-Healthy Vigilant Successful Travel Please refer to the communication placed by the Health Department along the travel route for your convenience, and follow all guidelines carefully.
2- Refer to the map of the nearest medical unit planned to serve the passengers.
- Medical Relief Center
- Primary Health Centre
- Community Health Center District Hospital
1- Look for clear name boards on buildings to identify the Uttarakhand medical unit.
2- If you or any member of your family is feeling any of the below mentioned symptoms, please reach the nearest medical unit immediately. A quick diagnosis can save your life.
When do you need to contact the medical unit?
1- Complaint of chest pain
2- Shortness of breath (difficulty talking)
3-Persistent cough Dizziness/ disorientation (difficulty walking)
4-Vomiting
5-Icy/cold skin
6-Weakness/numbness on one side of the body
7-High altitude can cause serious diseases. One minute of care can save your life.
Special attention should be given to these passengers
1- Passengers above 55 years of age
2- Pregnant women
3- Travelers with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes
4- Severely obese (30 B.M.I.) passengers
Travel advice
1- Do not consume alcohol, caffeinated drinks, sleeping pills and strong/powerful pain relievers during travel, also avoid smoking.
2- Drink at least 2 liters of fluids during the journey and take nutritious food.
We are at your service – In case of any discomfort, contact our health screening centers or medical units and get your health checked. Additionally, in case of any health related emergency, please contact us on the helpline number 104.
