Key Health Instructions for Pilgrims
As the Sabarimala pilgrimage season begins on November 17, Kerala’s Health Department has issued a fresh advisory for devotees, highlighting precautions amid a recent rise in amoebic meningoencephalitis (brain fever) cases in the state.
The advisory, released on Saturday (November 15), urges pilgrims to ensure no water enters the nose while bathing, especially in rivers— a warning previously issued during similar outbreaks.
# Key Health Instructions for Pilgrims
The department has advised devotees:
*Do not allow river water to enter the nose while bathing.
*Carry medical records and regular medications if under treatment, and do not discontinue prescribed medicines.
* Adopt light exercise, such as walking, prior to the pilgrimage to avoid exertion-related health issues.
* Climb slowly, take breaks, and seek medical help in case of fatigue, chest pain, breathlessness, or weakness.
* For emergencies, contact the helpline: 04735 203232.
Pilgrims are also instructed to:
* Drink only boiled water.
* Wash hands before eating.
* Consume clean, washed fruits.
* Avoid stale, exposed, or unhygienic food.
* Use toilets responsibly— open defecation is strictly prohibited.
* Dispose of waste only in designated bins.
Medical Support Along the Pilgrimage Route
Given that the route passes through forest regions where snakebites are common, the advisory directs pilgrims to seek immediate care if bitten. Hospitals along the route are stocked with anti-venom.
Health Minister Veena George stated that doctors from medical colleges and trained volunteer health workers have been deployed across the pilgrimage path, with a 24-hour control centre functioning at Pampa. Awareness materials are available in **Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
Expanded Medical Facilities
Comprehensive medical arrangements have been made in coordination with the Travancore Devaswom Board:
* Emergency medical centres are operational from Pampa to Sannidhanam.
* Konni Medical College will function as the base hospital.
* Emergency cardiology services and a cath lab are active at Pathanamthitta General Hospital.
* Ambulances equipped for cardiac emergencies and a special Pampa–Sannidhanam ambulance service are in place.
* All hospitals will have defibrillators, ventilators, cardiac monitors, and fully equipped laboratories.
* Operating theatres will function at both Pampa and Sannidhanam.
Additional support includes:
* A temporary dispensary at Pandalam Valiya Koickal Temple.
* Round-the-clock medical stores in Adoor, Vadasserikkara, and Pathanamthitta.
* Special inspection squads from the Food Safety Department, with mandatory health cards for food-service staff.