Kerala to provide elaborate medical facilities for Sabarimala pilgrims
Ensuring emergency cardiology treatment and cath lab facilities at Pathanamthitta General Hospital was emphasized by the minister following a high-level meeting, as stated in a press release.
Veena George, the Health Minister of Kerala, pledged on Monday to ensure comprehensive medical services for Sabarimala pilgrims as they kick off their annual pilgrimage season at the hill temple by mid-November. This commitment includes setting up cath labs, emergency medical centers, and oxygen parlours. The Konni Medical College in Pathanamthitta district, home to the Lord Ayyappa shrine, will serve as a primary hospital, offering essential medical amenities to support the pilgrims.
Ensuring emergency cardiology treatment and cath lab facilities at Pathanamthitta General Hospital was emphasized by the minister following a high-level meeting, as stated in a press release.
During the pilgrimage season, she mentioned that specialized doctors from the Health and Medical Education Departments would be assigned to cater to the needs of Sabarimala pilgrims.
The minister provided specifics on dispensaries with advanced amenities that were set to be established at different locations such as Sannidhanam (temple complex), Pamba, Nilakkal, and more.
She mentioned that Pamba and Nilakkal hospitals are set to start operations on November 1, with the rest of the facilities scheduled to be operational by November 15.She announced that the hospitals in Pamba and Nilakkal would start operating on November 1, with the remaining facilities scheduled to be functional by November 15.
She mentioned that all medical facilities in the area would be equipped with essential equipment such as defibrillators, ventilators, cardiac monitors, among others. Additionally, she noted that comprehensive laboratory services would be accessible at Pamba and Nilakkal.
The minister mentioned that both Pamba and Sannidhanam will be equipped with operation theatres. Furthermore, special medical facilities will be set up in more than 15 hospitals to cater to the needs of Sabarimala pilgrims.
Fifteen specific locations along the trekking path from Pamba to Sannidhanam will have emergency medical facilities and oxygen stations established.
George mentioned that four emergency centers will be established along the conventional forest path.
Steps will additionally be implemented by the health minister to control the transmission of any infectious diseases in the area throughout the duration of the pilgrimage.
The meeting, presided over by the minister, was graced by senior health officials such as the additional chief secretary, health director, director of the medical education department, Pathanamthitta district collector, and other dignitaries.
