Health facilities save 81 heart attack patients during Sabarimala pilgrimage

Medical facilities deployed by the Kerala Health Department during the ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage have helped save the lives of 81 pilgrims who suffered heart attack cases , officials said on Sunday, underlining the impact of round the clock emergency medical centres along the hill shrine route.

According to a state government press release, a total of 103 heart attack cases were reported during the pilgrimage season so far, of which 81 patients were successfully treated due to timely medical intervention . In addition, six lives were saved out of 25 reported cases of cardiac arrest through prompt emergency care. All 44 reported cases of seizures were also treated successfully.

Officials said the Health Department had strengthened its medical preparedness this year, keeping in mind the intense physical strain involved in the steep trek to the shrine. Special emphasis was placed on life saving measures, with cardiology units set up and essential life saving drugs such as streptokinase and tenecteplase made readily available at key locations.

So far, 95,385 pilgrims have received outpatient treatment at Sabarimala and nearby hospitals. Apart from cardiac emergencies, 337 pilgrims were referred to other hospitals for advanced medical care, officials said.

To ensure rapid response along the trekking route , 22 emergency medical centres have been established, including 17 centres along the Pampa to Sannidhanam path. Each centre is staffed with trained medical officers and nurses and equipped with ECG machines, oxygen support, emergency medicines and ambulance services.

The hospital at Sannidhanam has been upgraded with a modern cardiology unit , ventilators, an operation theatre, intensive care facilities, X ray and laboratory services, along with specialist doctors.

Officials said the Health Department remains committed to providing comprehensive medical support so that pilgrims can undertake the arduous trek safely and complete their darshan without health related difficulties.