Dr. Meenu Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Rishikesh has appealed to the devotees going on Kanwar Yatra. He has said that during the journey, keep drinking water, take care of cleanliness and eat clean food, so that you can avoid monsoon related diseases like diarrhea, dengue and hepatitis.
Kanwar Yatra is going to start in Uttarakhand amid monsoon. Every year lakhs of devotees participate in this yatra, but the rainy season also brings with it many health and safety challenges. Keeping this in mind, Dr. Meenu Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Rishikesh, has issued important health advisories for Kanwar pilgrims.
He appealed to the devotees to drink enough water during the journey, take special care of cleanliness and consume only clean food. He says that by taking a little precaution, many diseases occurring during monsoon can be avoided.
Kanwar Yatra Health Tips: The risk of these diseases increases in monsoon.
Dr. Meenu Singh told that many types of problems arise during the Kanwar Yatra during the rainy season. Due to continuous rain, roads get jammed, due to which passengers may have to wait on the way for a long time. During this period, stomach related diseases increase rapidly. Problems like indigestion, diarrhea, gastroenteritis and dehydration become common. He said that in case of lack of water in the body, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) should be used from time to time. Dr. Singh also clarified that there is no need to take antibiotics in every case. But if the test confirms typhoid or serious infection, then antibiotics should be taken only on the advice of the doctor.
Monsoon Diseases: Be cautious of dengue, scrub typhus and hepatitis
He told that after the rain, water starts accumulating at many places, due to which the breeding of mosquitoes increases. In such a situation, the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue increases significantly. Apart from this, cases of scrub typhus and viral hepatitis A also occur during monsoon. These diseases include high fever, effect on the liver, jaundice and sometimes the condition of the patient can also become serious. Therefore, treatment should not be delayed if any symptoms appear.
Food Safety During Kanwar Yatra: Be careful while eating outside food
Director of AIIMS Rishikesh said that during the journey, maximum attention should be paid to the cleanliness of food. Dirty or contaminated food can cause serious stomach problems. He advised that as far as possible, eat only home-made or completely clean food. Maintain the habit of washing hands with soap before eating. With this the risk of infection can be reduced to a great extent. He reminded that Chardham Yatra is already going on in Uttarakhand and now a large number of devotees will reach Kanwar Yatra also. In such a situation, health-related precautions become even more important.
Road Safety for Kanwariyas: Special warning for those traveling by bike and car
Dr. Meenu Singh advised the youth traveling by bike and car to take special precautions. He said that roads become slippery during monsoon. Due to crowd and high speed, the risk of road accidents increases manifold. He said that every year during the Kanwar Yatra, many accident victims are treated at AIIMS Rishikesh. He also mentioned a Kanwar passenger who died in a road accident, but his family gave new life to many people by donating his organs. Despite this, he said that the most important thing is that the devotees travel safely and return to their homes without any accident.
Kanwar Yatra Medical Facility: Trauma center fully ready in AIIMS Rishikesh
Keeping in view possible emergency situations, AIIMS Rishikesh has completed its preparations. Dr. Singh said that the institute has a Grade-1 Trauma Center, where all types of serious injuries and accidents can be treated. If needed, arrangements are also available to bring serious patients directly to the trauma center with the help of heli-ambulance. The hospital has all the facilities from first aid to advanced trauma care.
First Aid and Telemedicine: Medical advice will be available immediately on the travel route
Dr. Meenu Singh suggested that more and more first-aid posts be set up on the Kanwar Yatra route, so that pilgrims on foot can get immediate assistance in case of minor injuries, muscle pain or other health problems. He informed that telemedicine facility is also available through the trauma helpline of AIIMS Rishikesh. If needed, devotees can consult doctors through phone or video call and get initial medical guidance.