Kerala Health Dept; Action Plan for Sabarimala Pilgrimage
Thiruvananthapuram: The Health Department has prepared a detailed action plan to strengthen medical facilities and emergency preparedness ahead of the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season.
At a high-level review meeting held on Monday, Health Minister Veena George instructed all hospitals associated with the pilgrimage route to complete maintenance works, open emergency medical centres in coordination with the Travancore Devaswom Board, and stock essential drugs, including anti-snake venom. Hospitals across Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Idukki districts have also been directed to increase bed capacity to meet the anticipated surge in pilgrim inflow.
The Konni Medical College Hospital will serve as the base hospital, with additional facilities being created, while an elaborate control room will function from the Pampa hospital. Emergency cardiac care and cath lab interventions will be made available at the General Hospital, Pathanamthitta.
The Health Department has also mandated that:
Food Safety squads will conduct inspections to ensure hygienic preparation and sale of food. Vendors must ensure their food handlers hold valid health certificates.
Kanivu ambulances will be equipped for emergency care, including cardiac-related services, with a dedicated ambulance service operating between Sannidhanam and Pampa.
Doctors from multiple specialties, cardiologists, and physicians from medical colleges will be deployed in rotation.
Hospitals must be equipped with defibrillators, ventilators, cardiac monitors, and full-fledged labs at Nilakkal and Pampa.
Operating rooms will function at Sannidhanam and Pampa, while a temporary dispensary will operate at Valiya Koyikkal Temple, Pandalam.
Additional facilities will also be set up at Kottayam Medical College and 15 other hospitals, while the district vector control unit has been alerted. The State Drugs Controller has been tasked with ensuring round-the-clock medical stores at Adoor, Vadasserikkara, and Pathanamthitta.
In addition, the Health Department is preparing multilingual awareness materials—including pamphlets, banners, and posters—detailing precautionary measures for pilgrims before beginning their trek to Sabarimala.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary (Health) and senior officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring safety, hygiene, and quality medical care for lakhs of pilgrims expected during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season.