Sabarimala Hospitals at Pampa and Sannidhanam Start Providing Services; Cardiology Centres at Neelimala and Appachimedu Start Services on November 16
With the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season set to begin on November 16, government hospitals at Pampa and Sannidhanam have started functioning ahead of schedule to provide medical assistance to pilgrims.
The cardiology centres at Neelimala and Appachimedu will begin operations on November 16, coinciding with the opening of the hill shrine for the Mandala-Makaravilakku season. The hospitals at Pampa and Sannidhanam were opened early as medical staff and other personnel had already reached the locations to complete the necessary arrangements.
Doctors and adequate stocks of medicines have been made available at both hospitals. The centres will provide round-the-clock medical services, including emergency treatment, laboratory facilities and operation theatre services.
As part of the healthcare arrangements, around 22 emergency medical units will function along pilgrimage paths, forest routes and other transit points. CPR facilities and medical kiosks have also been installed at important trekking locations.
Three ambulances will be stationed at Sannidhanam, while an off-road ambulance will be deployed on the forest route for the first time. Additional Advanced Life Support ambulances will also be available to handle medical emergencies.
A team of around 120 volunteers will assist pilgrims by providing CPR support and stretcher services. Voluntary organisations will also conduct free first-aid and medical assistance camps at various locations along the pilgrimage route.
Special arrangements for cardiac emergencies
Cardiac emergencies are more likely to occur during the uphill trek from Pampa to Sannidhanam. Pilgrims experiencing cardiac problems will receive initial treatment at the medical centres at Neelimala, Appachimedu, Sannidhanam or Pampa, depending on their location and condition.
Those requiring advanced treatment will be shifted to Government Medical College Hospital, Kottayam. Ambulances will remain available at Pampa and Sannidhanam for emergency transfers.
The Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season will run from November 16, 2026, to January 20, 2027.
Important Medical and Emergency Helpline Numbers
- Medical Control Room: 04735 203232
- Sabarimala Pilgrimage Helpline: 70258 00100
- Neelimala Cardiology Centre: 04735 203384
- Sabarimala Police Control Room: 04735 202016, 04735 203386, 04735 202100
- Sannidhanam Police Station: 04735 202014
- Pampa Police Station: 04735 203412
- District Medical Office, Pathanamthitta: 0468 2222642
- Safe Zone Road Helpline (MVD): 94000 44991
- Highway Emergencies: 95623 18181
- Universal Emergency Number: 112
- Ambulance Services: 108