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The department urged pilgrims under medical treatment to carry their records and medicines, and said regular medicines should not be stopped during pilgrimage preparations.
“Devotees taking bath in rivers should ensure that water does not enter their nose,” the advisory said.
Although the advisory does not give reasons to be cautious about bathing in rivers, a similar direction was issued when Kerala reported recent cases of meningitis.
Light exercise such as walking is recommended in the days before the pilgrimage to avoid exertion-related health problems.
Pilgrims have been advised to climb slowly, take breaks and seek medical attention if they experience fatigue, chest pain, breathlessness or weakness. For emergencies, they can contact 04735 203232.
The advisory instructs devotees to drink only boiled water, wash hands before eating, eat washed fruits and avoid stale or loose food.
Open defecation has been banned, and toilets must be used with proper hand washing afterwards. Garbage should be disposed of only in designated dustbins.
In case of snakebite, pilgrims have been asked to seek immediate medical care, as anti-venom is available in hospitals, the advisory said.
Health Minister Veena George said in a statement that doctors from medical colleges and trained volunteer health workers have been deployed along the pilgrimage routes.
A 24-hour control center will function in Pampa.
“Pilgrims experiencing any discomfort during the climb are advised to seek immediate treatment at the nearest health centre. Awareness material has been prepared in multiple languages including Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada,” he said.
According to him, extensive medical facilities have been arranged in coordination with the Travancore Devaswom Board.
Emergency medical centers have been set up on the route from Pampa to Sannidhanam, and Konni Medical College will serve as the base hospital.
Emergency cardiology services and a cath lab have been made operational at Pathanamthitta General Hospital.
The minister said that a special ambulance service as well as ambulances equipped for cardiac emergencies would also be available between Sannidhanam and Pampa.
All hospitals will be equipped with defibrillators, ventilators and cardiac monitors.
Fully equipped laboratory facilities at Nilakkal and Pampa will be functional, he said, and operation theaters will operate at both Pampa and Sannidhanam (temple complex).
Health officials said a temporary dispensary has been set up at the Pandalam Valiya Koikkal temple. At least one medical store in Adoor, Vadasserikkara and Pathanamthitta will remain open 24 hours.
He said the food safety department has formed special squads to conduct inspections and health cards have been made mandatory for employees in food establishments.