Pathanamthitta (Keralam), Nov 5 (PTI) The Keralam government on Thursday launched a health awareness campaign here aimed at ensuring comprehensive health care and safety for Lord Ayyappa devotees visiting Sabarimala during the Mandalakala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
State Health and Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan launched the campaign titled 'Swasthyam Sharanam' and also released its logo, a government statement said.
The event was held at the auditorium of the Valiyakoikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Pandalam and attended by Congress MP Anto Antony, MLA C V Shanthakumar, Travancore Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar and other senior officials of the district administration, the statement said.
"The main objective of the project is to ensure the health and safety of every devotee visiting Sabarimala during the Mandalakala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage," it said.
As part of the campaign, the Health Department has prepared extensive health facilities along the pilgrimage route from Pampa to Sannidhanam and at the various 'edathavalams' or intermediate stops, it said.
The arrangements for the pilgrims include 24-hour health centers, emergency treatment facilities, services of expert doctors, and special facilities to deal with cardiac emergencies, the statement said.
As elderly pilgrims and those with various lifestyle diseases are likely to face health problems during the climb, precautions and health awareness will be strengthened as part of the campaign, it said.
"Special attention will be paid to providing timely treatment in case of health problems and ensuring safe treatment facilities in emergency situations," it added.
The ‘Swasthyam Sharanam’ Healthy Pilgrimage and Awareness Campaign aims to make the pilgrimage period safe and healthy through the coordination of the Health and Family Welfare Department and other branches of the government, the statement said.
