Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government’s Health and Family Welfare Department has made extensive arrangements for continuous healthcare services for the millions of devotees and pilgrims expected to throng to the Holy City for the Rath Yatra.
According to reports, senior officials inspected the area today to ensure seamless healthcare services. To provide comprehensive and well-organised healthcare during Rath Yatra 2025, the department has taken several initiatives. A team of senior officials led by the Additional Chief Secretary visited Puri today to review all the arrangements.
The number of additional beds has increased from 140 last year to 265 this year. Besides, to make healthcare services more extensive and efficient, 378 additional health specialists have been deployed from other districts. The district headquarters hospital has stored 200 units of blood at various banks. For the first time, a special medical team from AIIMS Bhubaneswar will be stationed at the treatment centre to provide additional support.
As per the decision, during the Rath Yatra, a network of 29 primary health centres will operate. Also, 32 government-run primary health centres that will function from June 27 to July 8, and 37 volunteer organisation-supported centres will be strategically located. Each centre will be staffed with qualified MBBS/Ayush doctors, pharmacists, and support staff, providing 24-hour healthcare services on the days of Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, and Sunabesha.
According to the release issued by the Information and Public Relations Department, the health centres will be strategically located at key points, including 9 centres on Bada Danda (near Singhadwara, Gundicha Temple, and Jagannath Ballav), 8 centres along the Puri-Bhubaneswar road, 5 centres at Swargadwar and Lighthouse Beach, 4 centres on the Puri-Konark Road, and two centres in Puri city (at the railway stations).
A special 10-bedded air-conditioned Heat Stroke Centre has been set up at Talabania to address heat-related health issues. A comprehensive ambulance network ensures emergency medical transportation, with a total of 74 ambulances available for immediate response. These ambulances will operate within designated zones, supported by volunteers.
A comprehensive ambulance network has been established to ensure emergency medical transportation. A total of 74 ambulances, including 31 government-run ambulances and 43 ambulances supported by volunteers, will be available for immediate response. These ambulances will operate within designated corridors with the assistance of volunteers.
To promote public health awareness, an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign is underway, focusing on food safety, safe drinking water, hand hygiene and sanitation protocols, use of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), health programmes, COVID-19 prevention measures, and the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Most importantly, a dedicated Rath Yatra Control Room will operate 24/7 to coordinate all health-related activities and manage emergencies during the festival. For any medical assistance or health-related information, the Control Room can be reached at mobile number +91 6370560247 and landline number 06752-222175. A team of senior officials from the Health and Family Welfare Department has visited Puri to oversee and coordinate all these arrangements. Notably, a special camp office will start functioning in Puri from tomorrow.
