The Char Dham Yatra is a revered pilgrimage covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Due to its challenging terrain, high altitudes, and unpredictable weather, medical facilities and emergency services are crucial for the safety of pilgrims.

Here’s a detailed guide on medical facilities and emergency services available along the Char Dham Yatra route:

1. Government & Private Hospitals 🏥

Several government and private hospitals provide medical services along the Char Dham route. Key locations with hospitals include:

📍 Rishikesh & Haridwar – AIIMS Rishikesh, Government Hospital Haridwar
📍 Dehradun – Doon Medical College, Max Super Specialty Hospital
📍 Uttarkashi – District Hospital, PHC at Gangotri
📍 Rudraprayag – District Hospital, Base Hospital
📍 Joshimath – CHC Joshimath for Badrinath pilgrims

These hospitals offer 24/7 emergency services, trauma care, and ambulance facilities.

2. Primary Health Centers (PHCs) & Mobile Clinics 🚑

The Uttarakhand government has set up Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and mobile health units along the route:

✅ PHC in Gangotri & Yamunotri – Basic medical care & first-aid
✅ PHC in Sonprayag & Guptkashi – For Kedarnath pilgrims
✅ PHC in Badrinath – Emergency medical care

🚐 Mobile medical units provide first-aid, oxygen support, and minor treatments along the yatra route.

3. Medical Camps & Health Check-up Centers 🏕️

During peak Char Dham Yatra season, the state health department and NGOs set up medical camps at key locations like:

🔸 Phata, Gaurikund & Kedarnath – Emergency first-aid stations
🔸 Hanuman Chatti (Yamunotri) – Check-up points for pilgrims
🔸 Pandukeshwar (Near Badrinath) – Oxygen & BP check-up centers

These camps offer free health check-ups, oxygen therapy, and minor treatments.

4. 24/7 Ambulance Services 🚑

Emergency 108 Ambulance Services operate along the Char Dham route, covering:

📌 Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun – Advanced medical ambulances
📌 Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, Rudraprayag, Joshimath – Basic & advanced life support ambulances
📌 Phata & Gaurikund – Ambulances for Kedarnath pilgrims

🚁 Helicopter ambulance services are available in extreme emergencies.

5. Helicopter Rescue & Evacuation Services 🚁

For high-altitude sickness or medical emergencies, the Uttarakhand government and private operators provide:

🔹 Helicopter evacuation from Kedarnath
🔹 Heli-rescue from Badrinath & Yamunotri
🔹 Emergency helipads in Phata, Guptkashi, and Dehradun

🆘 Helpline for Helicopter Rescue – Dial 112 or 108 in case of emergency.

6. Oxygen Supply & High-Altitude Sickness Support 🏔️

Due to low oxygen levels at high altitudes, many pilgrims experience breathing difficulties, dizziness, and altitude sickness. To tackle this:

✅ Oxygen booths at Kedarnath & Badrinath
✅ Portable oxygen cylinders in taxis & trekking areas
✅ Medical check-ups for senior citizens & high-risk pilgrims

📌 Tip – Pilgrims with respiratory issues should carry prescribed medicines and consult a doctor before traveling.

7. Pharmacy & Medicine Availability 💊

Medical shops and pharmacies are available at:

🛑 Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun – Large medical stores
🛑 Uttarkashi, Guptkashi, Joshimath – Small pharmacies with basic medicines
🛑 Kedarnath & Badrinath temple area – Limited medical supply stores

📌 Tip – Pilgrims should carry essential medicines as supplies may be limited in remote areas.

8. Emergency Helpline Numbers ☎️

For medical emergencies, road accidents, or health issues, pilgrims can contact:

📞 108 – Ambulance & medical emergency
📞 112 – Uttarakhand Police Emergency Helpline
📞 +91-135-2743436 – Uttarakhand Disaster Management Helpline
📞 +91-135-2653046 – Air Rescue & Helicopter Service

🚨 Always save emergency contacts before starting the journey.

Final Words: Prioritizing Pilgrim Safety

With hospitals, PHCs, mobile clinics, ambulances, and helicopter services, Char Dham Yatra is well-equipped with emergency medical facilities. Pilgrims should:

✔️ Get a health check-up before traveling
✔️ Carry required medicines & a first-aid kit
✔️ Stay hydrated & avoid exertion at high altitudes
✔️ Follow safety instructions & emergency protocols

🙏 Wishing all pilgrims a safe and healthy Char Dham Yatra! 🙏

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