Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 16 (UNI) As the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season begins, the Kerala Health Department has activated an extensive medical support system to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the lakhs of devotees heading to Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple.
Medical teams from health centres, medical colleges, and trained volunteer groups have been positioned along all major access routes.
A 24-hour control room is now operational at Pamba to coordinate emergency services and provide immediate assistance whenever required.
Health Minister Veena George urged devotees to remain vigilant about their health throughout the pilgrimage and to seek medical help promptly if they experience any discomfort during the climb.
Awareness campaigns in Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada have also been launched to guide pilgrims more effectively.
With the support of the Travancore Devaswom Board, emergency medical centres have been set up along the trekking path between Pamba and Sannidhanam.
Konni Medical College has been designated as the base hospital for the season, while the Pathanamthitta General Hospital has expanded its emergency cardiology services, including round-the-clock cath lab facilities, to handle cardiac-related emergencies.
The Kaniv 108 ambulance service, along with a special ambulance facility operating between Sannidhanam and Pamba, has also been strengthened to ensure quick medical intervention.
Hospitals across the pilgrim route have been equipped with ventilators, defibrillators, cardiac monitors, and full-fledged laboratory facilities at Nilakkal and Pamba.
Fully operational operation theatres are functioning at both Pamba and Sannidhanam. A temporary medical dispensary has been set up at the Pandalam Valiya Koickal Temple, and at least one medical store in Adoor, Vadasserikkara, and Pathanamthitta will operate round the clock.
The Food Safety Department has deployed special squads to inspect food outlets along the pilgrimage route and has made it mandatory for all food-handling staff to possess a valid health card.
Authorities have advised devotees to carry their medical records and regular medications if they are under treatment for any illness and to refrain from stopping prescribed medicines during the vratham period.
Those taking a holy dip have been asked to ensure that water does not enter the nose. Pilgrims are encouraged to begin light exercises, including walking, several days before the journey to prepare the body for the strenuous climb.
Devotees are urged to climb the hill slowly, take adequate rest, and seek medical help immediately if they experience fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, or breathlessness. Emergency assistance is available at 04735 203232.
The Health Department also reminds pilgrims to drink only boiled and cooled water, wash hands with soap before meals, eat only properly washed fruits, and avoid stale or exposed food.
They have emphasised the need to use designated toilets instead of open spaces and to wash hands afterwards to prevent infections.
Devotees are asked to avoid littering and dispose of waste only in designated bins. In the event of a snakebite, they must seek immediate hospital care, where anti-venom is readily available.
The Health Department has appealed to all pilgrims to strictly follow these guidelines and cooperate with medical personnel to ensure a safe, healthy, and spiritually fulfilling Sabarimala pilgrimage.
