Bhubaneswar: The Health and Family Welfare Department of the Odisha Government, in collaboration with the Puri District Administration, has announced a significant enhancement of health and medical facilities in anticipation of the upcoming ‘Rath Yatra’. With millions of devotees expected to gather for this grand festival, comprehensive measures are being implemented to ensure their health, safety, and welfare.
This year, health infrastructure has seen a notable expansion, with 265 additional hospital beds made available, a substantial increase from 140 beds last year. These include 100 new beds at the Government ANM Training Centre in Puri and 15 ICU beds at TBIDH. The District Head Hospital has reserved 68 beds, comprising 50 general beds, 8 burn ward beds, and 10 ICU beds. Furthermore, 200 units of blood have been stocked in the District Head Hospital’s blood bank, and two small operation theatres along with a special dressing room have been set up for emergencies.
For the first time, a dedicated team of doctors from AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, will provide additional support at the treatment centre during the festival.
A wide network of 69 primary health centres will be operational, with 32 government-run centres functioning from June 27 to July 8, and 37 voluntary organization-aided centres strategically located. Each centre will be staffed by qualified MBBS/AYUSH doctors, pharmacists, and support personnel, offering 24-hour healthcare services during the Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, and Sunabesha. These centres will be strategically positioned across key locations such as Singhadwar, Gundicha Mandir, Jagannath Ballav Parking, Puri-Bhubaneswar Road, the seashore, Puri-Konark Road, and Puri city’s railway station. A special 10-bed air-conditioned heat stroke centre has also been established at Talbonia to address weather-related health issues.
For emergency medical transport, a robust ambulance network comprising 74 ambulances (31 government and 43 volunteer-aided) will be available. These ambulances will operate within designated corridors, ensuring immediate response. All 108 emergency ambulances will remain on high alert at their respective health institutions and key locations on Rajpath-203.
To further bolster and expedite healthcare services, 378 additional health experts from other districts are being deployed. This contingent includes 4 specialists (2 cardiologists and 2 neurosurgeons), 98 general duty doctors, 15 EMS doctors, 50 AYUSH medical officers, 1 epidemiologist, 1 microbiologist, 50 pharmacists, 50 medical staff, 30 nursing officers, 5 food safety officers, and 24 drivers for medical transport.
- Increased Bed Capacity: 265 additional hospital beds (up from 140 last year), including 100 new beds at Government ANM Training Centre and 15 ICU beds at TBIDH. The District Head Hospital has reserved 68 beds.
- Emergency Preparedness: 200 units of blood stocked, two small operation theatres, and a special dressing room set up. A dedicated team from AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, will provide additional medical support.
- Widespread Health Centres: 69 primary health centres will operate 24/7 from June 27 to July 8, staffed by doctors and support staff, strategically located across Puri. A 10-bed air-conditioned heat stroke centre is also established.
- Ambulance Network: 74 ambulances (31 government, 43 volunteer-aided) will be available, operating within designated corridors, with all 108 emergency ambulances on high alert.
- Additional Medical Personnel: 378 health experts from other districts, including specialists (cardiologists, neurosurgeons), general duty doctors, AYUSH medical officers, pharmacists, nursing officers, and food safety officers, are being deployed.
- Disease Prevention: 249 inspections of food establishments, 494 kg of unsanitary food destroyed, and testing of food and water samples. Rapid response teams are preventing infection, and drinking water sources are being purified.
- Public Awareness: Extensive IEC campaigns are underway with leaflets, hoardings, banners, folk programs, and a health exhibition stall to educate devotees on hygiene, food safety, and health programs.
- Centralized Coordination: A 24-hour Rath Jatra Control Room is operational for medical assistance (Mobile: +91 6370560247, Landline: 06752-222175).
- Food Safety Focus: 8 specially deputed food safety officers are working in 3 teams across the district, ensuring adherence to Food Safety and Standards Act regulations.
These measures highlight the Odisha Government’s comprehensive commitment to ensuring the health and safety of millions during the Rath Jatra.