Puri: Ahead of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath scheduled for July 16, Odisha Health and Family Welfare Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S. on Wednesday reviewed healthcare preparedness at the Puri District Headquarters Hospital and held a high-level meeting with officials.
Two Special Secretaries of the Health and Family Welfare Department also attended the review meeting, along with officials from various departments. Discussions focused on strengthening medical services and infrastructure ahead of the world-famous festival, which is expected to draw around 10 to 15 lakh devotees.
During the review, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary assessed the ongoing construction work of the new building within the hospital campus and directed officials to complete the project by June 30 so that it can be made operational before the festival.
To manage the anticipated surge in patients during the Rath Yatra, the Health Department has decided to introduce a TRIAGE system for the first time in Puri. Besides, eight temporary hospitals will be set up along the Grand Road to provide emergency medical assistance to devotees.
The Health Department also plans to deploy 237 doctors during the festival period. The deployment will include specialist doctors such as cardiologists, plastic surgeons and neuro-specialists, officials said.
The review assumes significance as concerns over health services in Puri were strongly raised during the first Rath Yatra coordination committee meeting chaired by the RDC earlier. The state government has directed officials to ensure disciplined, efficient and uninterrupted healthcare services during the festival.
The Odisha government is making extensive preparations to ensure the smooth and orderly conduct of the annual Rath Yatra, one of the country’s largest religious gatherings.
