The government has designated 170 hospitals across the state to provide health clearances for pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra in June-August. Yatris, or pilgrims, will trek from base camps in Baltal and Chandanwari on one of two routes to reach the sacred cave shrine.
Because the trek involves a drastic change in environment, doctors will pay special attention to health conditions that could be worsened by high altitude. These include breathing problems, diabetes, lung issues, blood conditions, asthma, high blood pressure, epilepsy, and bleeding disorders.
To ensure the safety of pilgrims on high-altitude treks, the government will require a thorough health check-up by licensed doctors. These check-ups will consider the challenges of the journey, including thin air, cold weather, steep climbs, and sudden changes in temperature. Only those who are deemed medically fit by a doctor will be allowed to participate.
According to a health department official, “The pilgrim will give a declaration about his health mentioning all questions related to his health condition.”
The guidelines have been issued to the doctors of 170 hospitals for issuing health certificates for Amarnathji Yatra 2024. As per the guidelines stated, “The authorized doctors and institutions will not issue health certificate to any applicant who is below the age of 13 years or above the age of 70 years and to any woman with a pregnancy of six weeks or more”
