​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, July 13: Anticipating the arrival of lakhs of devotees for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, the Odisha government has unveiled a comprehensive healthcare preparedness plan, deploying 230 doctors and 46 ambulances to ensure timely medical assistance throughout the festival.

The Health and Family Welfare Department on Monday announced extensive medical arrangements at the Puri District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). The hospital has been equipped with a 10-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a 10-bed Trauma Care Centre, a 10-bed cholera ward, and a dedicated operation theatre. Additionally, 150 beds have been made available in the newly constructed hospital building to manage any increase in medical emergencies during the festival.

To provide uninterrupted healthcare services, the department will deploy a team of 230 doctors, including 66 specialists, two cardiologists, two neurologists, and two plastic surgeons. The medical workforce will be supported by 200 nursing officers and 229 paramedical personnel.

Recognising the risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries during the festival, authorities have reserved 10 dedicated beds at the Puri DHH. Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the district have also been strengthened to handle emergency cases.

As part of the emergency medical response, 30 treatment centres will be established across Puri, including along the Grand Road (Bada Danda), the main route of the Rath Yatra procession. Of these, 11 centres on Bada Danda will operate round the clock to provide immediate medical assistance.

To further enhance emergency care, eight temporary 10-bed hospitals will be set up on both sides of the Grand Road to cater to devotees during peak crowd movement.

The Health Department will also position 46 ambulances at strategic locations across Puri, including two Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances stationed at the Puri DHH for critical care transport.

In addition to medical services, the government has strengthened food safety measures by deploying additional food safety officers to inspect food quality across the temple town. Furthermore, 30 trained emergency responders equipped with oxygen canisters will remain stationed at key locations to provide swift assistance in case of medical emergencies.