Uttarakhand: Dhami government busy in preparations for Chardham Yatra, Health Secretary said – Health advisory will be issued soon, health friends will also be appointed

The state government is fully engaged in preparations for the upcoming Chardham Yatra. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat have issued guidelines to the officials to make timely arrangements for the successful organization of the Yatra. Following the instructions of the Chief Minister and the Health Minister, Secretary, Medical Health and Medical Education Department Dr. R Rajesh Kumar held an important meeting with the officials in the Uttarakhand government. In the meeting, the health related arrangements for the Chardham Yatra were discussed in detail and various departments were instructed to complete their preparations on time. The Secretary directed to increase the number of Medical Response Points (MRPs) on the Yatra route, improve the number of screening points and complete the work of health registration of devotees soon. Apart from this, steps have also been taken to implement health related advisory and necessary safety measures on the Yatra route. All the concerned departments have been instructed to ensure all the necessary arrangements before the start of the Yatra. Expansion of MRP and Screening Points

Health Secretary Dr. R Rajesh Kumar said that a total of 26 Medical Response Points (MRP) and 50 screening points have been arranged on the Yatra route. Keeping in mind the increasing number of pilgrims this year, it was proposed to increase the number of MRPs. Also, instructions have been given to expand the screening points.

Role of Medical Education Department

Health Secretary Dr. R Rajesh Kumar said that Srinagar Medical College was instructed to complete all the necessary preparations for the Yatra on time. The duty of medical experts and medical officers will be determined on the basis of rotation. Apart from this, special training for the safety of pilgrims in high altitude areas will be provided by the master trainers of Doon and Srinagar Medical College, due to which the work of local training will be started instead of AIIMS.

Health Portal and Registration

Health Secretary Dr. R Rajesh Kumar said that it will be mandatory for all the pilgrims involved in the Yatra to register on the “Health Dham Portal”. Pilgrims above the age of 50 years have been directed to upload health profiles. The Health Department has directed to submit proposals and methodology for tracking high-risk pilgrims through RFID-Band and GIO Tracking System.

Financial and Equipment Distribution

Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar said that the Director General was directed to provide Utilization Certificate (UC) of the funds released by the Tourism Department for Kedarnath and Badrinath soon and to write a letter for the release of the remaining amount. Apart from this, action will be taken to immediately deliver the equipment and furniture supplied earlier to the newly constructed hospital in Kedarnath.

Health Advisory and Information

Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar said that flex and banners will be installed on the Yatra route, bus stops, hotels and other important places to inform about health related advisories, details of nearby health centers and contact numbers of Chief Medical Officers. Also, these arrangements will be ensured by identifying all the important areas and coordinating with the District Magistrates of the districts.

Appointment of health friends

Health Secretary Dr. R Rajesh Kumar said that health friends will be appointed for health related assistance of the pilgrims during the Yatra, who will work on contract basis.

Establishment of control room

Health Secretary Dr. R Rajesh Kumar said that a control room will be set up in the General Directorate to monitor the arrangements related to the Chardham Yatra. This control room will regularly monitor all the health services related to the Yatra and provide guidelines to the concerned officials.

Health safety at hotels and dhabas

Health Secretary Dr. R Rajesh Kumar said that all hotels and dhabas will be sensitized with the necessary measures, advisory and life saving measures for the health safety of the pilgrims.

Health Secretary Dr. R Rajesh Kumar, at the conclusion of the meeting, directed all the officials to be prompt about the safety and health services of the pilgrims during the Chardham Yatra. He also ensured that all preparations are completed on time and there is no shortage of any kind in the journey.