Char Dham Yatra: Uttarakhand government to bolster healthcare system at yatra route; screens 5 lakh pilgrims

Around five lakh pilgrims embarking on the Char Dham Yatra have undergone health screening under an initiative taken by the Uttarakhand government. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with health minister Dr.

Dhan Singh Rawat, has implemented a robust and comprehensive infrastructure focusing on health across the Yatra route.The healthcare system is divided into three tiers.Health secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar has stated that the Char Dham Yatra, which witnesses lakhs of pilgrims, can impose a lot of health risks, due to high altitudes, lack of oxygen, especially for the elderly and first-time visitors.The secretary emphasised that the system is meant not only to manage higher numbers of pilgrims but the safety and health of every individual.

They aim to achieve this by bolstering human resources, technology, and medical expertise.49 healthcare centres have been stationed at the core Char Dham Yatra district, with health systems also being strengthened in key transit districts like Haridwar, Pauri, and Dehradun.Health secretary Dr. R Rajesh Kumar emphasised, “Our goal is not only to ensure that pilgrims receive divine blessings but also that they return safely with a fulfilling and secure experience.”

To help with real-time monitoring and manage emergencies, the ‘e-Swasthya Dham’ portal has been put in place. So far, 29 pilgrims have been advised to return due to medical concerns, 369 have been taken by ambulance for treatment, and 33 have been airlifted by heli-ambulance for urgent medical care.