Ahead of the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, scheduled for July 16, Odisha Health and Family Welfare Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S. on Wednesday reviewed healthcare preparedness at the Puri District Headquarters Hospital.
She also chaired a high-level meeting with officials from various departments. Two Special Secretaries of the Health and Family Welfare Department were present at the review. The discussions focused on strengthening medical services and infrastructure before the festival, which is expected to attract around 10 to 15 lakh devotees.
During the visit, Aswathy S. reviewed the ongoing construction of the new building inside the hospital campus and directed officials to complete the work by June 30 so that it can be made operational before Rath Yatra.
To handle the expected rise in patients, the Health Department has decided to introduce a TRIAGE system in Puri for the first time. Eight temporary hospitals will also be set up along the Grand Road to provide emergency medical support to devotees.
Officials said 237 doctors will be deployed during the festival, including specialists such as cardiologists, plastic surgeons and neuro-specialists.
The review comes after concerns over health services were raised during the first Rath Yatra coordination committee meeting chaired by the RDC. The state government has directed officials to ensure disciplined, efficient and uninterrupted healthcare services during the festival.
This local update is prepared from publicly available information. Readers should verify critical details from official communication where necessary.