Char Dham Yatra: Uttarakhand launches "E-Swasthya Dham" App for monitoring pilgrim health

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], May 20 : Uttarakhand chief secretary Radha Raturi on Monday said that in view of the high number of pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra, the state's health department has introduced the "E-Swasthya Dham" App. This platform requires all devotees to upload their health information, allowing the government to monitor their health during the pilgrimage.
"The Char Dham Yatra began on May 10, and within the first 10 days, approximately 700,000 pilgrims have already undertaken the pilgrimage to the four sacred shrines. Given the large number of pilgrims, special attention is being given to their health. To ensure a safe and healthy journey, the Health Department, along with the Wish Foundation and Hans Foundation, has established an online health platform called "E-Swasthya Dham." All pilgrims are required to upload their health-related data on this platform," she told ANI.
Raturi further explained that "The health portal is integrated with the existing online registration system for Char Dham Yatra. The information shared by pilgrims will also be accessible to the Tourism Department. Additionally, health screenings will be conducted at various points along the pilgrimage route. Medical professionals from the Health Department, Wish Foundation, and Hans Foundation will be present during the screenings."
She added that individuals with prior health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems should undergo mandatory health screenings and their health history should be uploaded to the E-Swasthya Dham portal to ensure a smooth and safe journey for all devotees, thereby minimizing health-related issues during the pilgrimage.
"Particular emphasis will be placed on health checkups for pilgrims aged 50 and above. Given that the Char Dham shrines are located at high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower and extreme cold weather can lead to hypothermia, it is crucial to assess the health of devotees. Individuals with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems should undergo mandatory health screenings. Their health history should be uploaded to the E-Swasthya Dham portal to ensure a smooth and safe journey for all devotees, minimizing health-related issues during the pilgrimage," she told ANI.
The Hindu pilgrimage Char Dham circuit consists of four sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The River Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. Pilgrimage season peaks in Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra annually during the summers.