AP govt to prepare health action plan for Godavari Pushkaram

Rajahmundry(AP), Feb 25: Andhra Pradesh Health Minister said, a comprehensive health action plan would be prepared for the pilgrims of Godavari Pushkaram, to be held in July this year.

"The government is preparing a comprehensive health action plan to meet the medical needs of pilgrims who will come here (Rajahmundry) to take a holy dip in river Godavari in July on the occasion of the 12-day Godavari Pushakaram," Andhra Pradesh Health Minister K Srinivas told reporters last night.

"We are expecting two to three crore people during the festival this year. We are making all arrangements so that the pilgrims do not face any inconvenience," he said.

Special medical teams headed by a senior medical officer will be deployed at 244 ghats on the banks of river Godavari, he said adding that ambulances will be kept ready to shift the pilgrims to hospitals, in case of an emergency. Also, special medical camps will be organised at vulnerable places, including railway and bus stations.

The minister earlier reviewed the health action plan for the festival. District Collector H Arun Kumar and senior medical and health officials were present on the occasion.

PTI