The Health Department has made large-scale arrangements to provide all medical-care facilities, including emergency assistance and management of any sudden illnesses, to Sabarimala pilgrims during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season.
A review meeting was called by the Health Department on Thursday to assess the arrangements made at Sabarimala, where over 3,000 employees, including doctors and paramedical staff, will be deployed.
16 treatment centres
Sixteen treatment centres have been set up in the 5 km from Pampa to Sannidhanam.
Outpatient facilities, intensive cardiac care clinics, mobile clinics, oxygen parlours, and 24-hour ambulance facilities are being arranged. Government dispensaries have started functioning at various centres. Dispensaries with 24-hour ICU facilities and the services of a cardiologist will be opened at the Sannidhanam, Neelimala, Appachimedu and Pampa. An emergency operation theatre with a surgeon and an anaesthesiologist is being opened this season at the Sannidhanam.
Facilities at the Pathanamthitta General Hospital, Erumely Community Health Centre, and Kanjirappally GH are being augmented. A 20-bed ward, cardiac care unit and emergency services are being arranged at the Pathanamthitta GH.
Samples of raw materials used for appam, aravana and all prasadams are being checked. The final products are also being tested, a statement by Health Minister K.K. Shylaja said.
