Elaborate medical arrangements in place for Pune marathon

Pune, Nov 21 (UNI) Elaborate medical arrangements have been made to ensure an incident-free Pune International Marathon which will be flagged off on November 26.

Pune International Marathon Trust (PIMT) organising secretary Pralhad Sawant told reporters here today that adequate precautions have been taken to meet any eventuality during the gruelling race in which 30,000 runners will be participating. The marathon, fortunately, has been largely problem-free so far in its 20-year history.

There was only one fatal incident that had occurred ten years back. A city lad, who had participated in the ten-kilometre race, had then collapsed and, despite all medical help, had died.

Dr Sadhana Dewal, a noted physician who has been associated with the marathon for the past six years, informed that 350 doctors, 80 physiotherapists, and 18 nursing staff besides 15 ambulances will be on the vigil to meet any medical exigencies.

''We would like to have an incident-free marathon and are, therefore, geared up to provide medical help on the spot,'' Dr Dewal said. Hospitals like the Ruby Hall, which is headed by Dr K B Grant who will be participating in the celebrity run, the Sancheti Hospital, the Mangeshkar Hospital and civic hospitals have come forward to extend their services, Dr Dewal said.

Dr Dewal said that after each kilometre on the race route, a team of five doctors will be available, while 21 doctors will also be moving along the route. As many as 20 mobile vans will also be pressed into service.

A full-fledged hospital will be established at the finish point at the Nehru Stadium, Dr Dewal said, adding a similar facility will be created at Khadki near here where the women's half marathon will end.

''Our major attention will be on the starting point as a large number of runners in various age groups will be participating as also on the celebrities run and the senior citizens race,'' Dr Dewal said.

UNI IS MAZ DH KN1940