Hyperbaric Chambers in Badrinath Kedarnath – Hi Tech Arrangements for Devotees
The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most significant Yatras in the whole Hinduism. Travelling here is a must for a very devout Hindu. As spiritually rewarding as it is, it’s also a very physically demanding one. Situated at high altitudes, these Dhams, especially Badrinath Shrine (3,300 metres) and Kedarnath Shrine (3,583 metres), witness a stark drop in the oxygen content. This makes the pilgrims prone to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and other altitude-related health problems. To counter these problems, the Uttarakhand government has installed hyperbaric chambers in Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Let’s know more about these specialised facilities, shall we?
What is a Hyperbaric Chamber?
A hyperbaric chamber is a medical facility that provides pure oxygen to patients at high pressures. Due to such higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure, more oxygen is absorbed by the lungs, which provides instant relief to the patients suffering from AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and other high-altitude related diseases.
This treated oxygen supply also helps with reducing swelling, fighting infections, and healing of oxygen-starved tissues. These chambers are nothing less than lifesaving stations that work wonders for pilgrims at high altitudes.
Features of the Hyperbaric Chambers in Badrinath and Kedarnath
Let’s look at the Hyperbaric Chambers more closely and know what makes them so special and useful in the Himalayan terrains. Here are some of their essential features.
- Pressurized Cabin: These simulate the conditions found at lower altitudes and put the body at ease.
- 100% Oxygen Supply: These chambers also provide oxygen, which speeds up recovery from oxygen deprivation and high-altitude stress.
- Portable & Adaptable: These chambers can be taken to different places and therefore come in handy during emergency situations and in disaster management, especially in the off-season.
- Monitored Treatment: Trained doctors are deployed on these facilities to take care of the patients. Learned paramedics are also there to monitor the stressed pilgrims throughout the therapy.
Need for Hyperbaric Chambers in Badrinath and Kedarnath
The journey of the Char Dham is very difficult, to say the least. Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham are located at a height of over 11,500 feet above sea level, so the oxygen content in the air is very low. Due to the lack of oxygen availability in the high mountain regions, devotees have to face several difficulties.
Many elderly people with heart conditions or respiratory disorders undertake the Yatra. The availability of hyperbaric treatment adds an extra layer of safety for them.
According to the past data, 112 people lost their lives during the Char Dham Yatra in 2017, whereas in 2018 106 people were reported dead, due to heart attacks and respiratory-related problems. Taking a lesson from the past, the health department decided to establish hyperbaric oxygen chambers in Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Now, the devotees will be able to get better care during health emergencies that would save their lives.
Support at Hyperbaric Chambers
The hyperbaric chambers in Badrinath and Kedarnath provide the tourists with a lot of amenities. Around 30 specialist doctors are deployed on the Char Dham Route, and a total of 84 doctors are appointed under the rotation system. The high altitude medical camp NGO of Six Sigma Health Care will also lend a helping hand in the Do Dhams.
Good results are expected that due to this initiative taken up by the health department, Yatris on the holy journey will return with good experiences.
Further Added Facilities
Warm rooms have also been prepared along the walking path of Kedarnath Dham. And during the time of extreme cold, travellers can utilise them in case of a deteriorating health condition. These rooms will also prove to be a boon for heart patients.
During their visit for the Darshan of high altitude Char Dham, many patients were not able to receive good health care services, due to which several people have lost their lives. People suffering from heart or respiratory problems are prone to a number of other health-related difficulties. But now with the aid of Hyperbaric Chambers in Badrinath and Kedarnath, pilgrims enjoy much better health care.
News & Image Source: Rajyasameeksha
