Char Dham Yatra: NHM to Establish Medical Relief Posts and Deploy Swasthya Mitras
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Synopsis
The <b>Char Dham Yatra</b> begins on <b>April 30</b>, with the <b>NHM</b> enhancing health safety measures for pilgrims. Medical Relief Posts and trained <b>Swasthya Mitras</b> will be deployed to ensure timely healthcare support along the route, which includes the holy shrines of <b>Gangotri</b>, <b>Yamunotri</b>, <b>Kedarnath</b>, and <b>Badrinath</b>.
Key Takeaways
- Char Dham Yatra starts on April 30.
- NHM sets up 25 Medical Relief Posts for pilgrims.
- 102 Swasthya Mitras will assist in healthcare.
- Food quality along the route is being monitored.
- Collaboration with local health authorities ensures readiness.
New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) As the revered Char Dham Yatra is about to begin on April 30, the National Health Mission (NHM) has ramped up its preparations to safeguard the health and safety of the numerous pilgrims expected to journey to the sacred shrines in Uttarakhand.
This year, the yatra will kick off with the opening of the gates of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines at 10:30 a.m. on April 30. The Kedarnath Dham will welcome devotees on May 2 (Friday) at 7 a.m., while the gates of Badrinath Dham will be opened on May 4 (Sunday).
To provide comprehensive healthcare support during the yatra, the NHM is rolling out a variety of medical resources, including skilled personnel and on-ground support teams.
“Training is currently underway for our medical officers, and in addition to the usual medical staff, health friends (Swasthya Mitras) are also being deployed. This year, 102 Swasthya Mitras will be assigned by the NHM. Medical Relief Posts (MRPs) are also being established along the Char Dham route,” stated Swati Singh Bhadauria, Mission Director of NHM Uttarakhand.
She further explained, “A total of 25 MRPs will be set up, where Swasthya Mitras, pharmacists, and medical officers will be present to conduct health check-ups and screenings for the pilgrims.”
These Medical Relief Posts will be strategically positioned along the pilgrimage route to ensure prompt medical attention and preventive screenings.
The deployment of Swasthya Mitras, trained local health volunteers, aims to enhance first-line health support in remote areas.
The NHM has also coordinated with local health departments, emergency response teams, and disaster management authorities to ensure medical readiness throughout the yatra.
The Char Dham Yatra, one of the most esteemed pilgrimages in Hinduism, encompasses visits to four Himalayan shrines: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Annually, lakhs of devotees embark on this spiritually significant journey through the rugged terrain of Uttarakhand.
Recently, the Uttarakhand government, in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has taken initiatives to ensure food quality for the well-being of devotees.
The food establishments along the yatra route are being trained to prepare meals low in salt, sugar, and oil, considering the dietary requirements of individuals with health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, among others.
