Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], Uttarakhand Health Department has launched an initiative to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims and has laid all the groundwork to provide quality medical assistance to the pilgrims undertaking the revered Cha Dham Yatra. According to an official release, "Dr Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar has led efforts to create a vast network aimed at providing quality medical assistance to the visiting pilgrims, many of whom are over 50 years old, this initiative , unprecedented both in India and the world, reflecting the department's commitment to ensuring safe passage for pilgrims to the holy shrines, last year's pilgrimage saw 56.31 lakh tourists, this year's numbers are expected to surpass that figure. The extensive health infrastructure includes a network of 49 permanent health facilities and 26 Medical Relief Posts (MRPs) especially in the districts of Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi along the route. At least 50 additional screening points have been set up at strategic locations to provide health promotion and preventive care to pilgrims above 50 years of age.In addition, 26 MRPs on footpaths provide basic and primary medical care to pilgrims. Dr Rajesh Kumar explained in detail about the deployment of medical personnel including specialists, medical officers, pharmacists and nurses to various health facilities en route. "Swasthya Mitra" volunteers stationed on the footpath provide immediate assistance and connect pilgrims to the MRP. To deal with emergencies, a fleet of 79 departmental and 77 '108' ambulances will be deployed on the Yatra route. The initiative also uses 50 point-of-car testing devices (POCDs) and health ATMs for rapid health assessment. Two new hospitals, one each in Kedarnath and Badrinath, are under construction, with AIIMS being deployed in Rishikesh. Doctors are provided with trauma and emergency medical response training.To further enhance safety measures, pictorial SOPs and advisories translated in 11 languages ​​have been distributed to all states for dissemination to prospective pilgrims. Additionally, the website of the Tourism Department will display health parameters for self-disclosure during the mandatory registration process. And bulk SMS with health advisories will be sent to registered pilgrims during the journey. This initiative underlines the commitment of the Uttarakhand Health Department to ensure the well-being of the pilgrims and their seamless experience during this holy journey inspired by the vision of Dr. R Rajesh Kumar. This unprecedented effort sets a benchmark for providing health care support to pilgrims on challenging travel routes.This year, the Char Dham Yatra will begin on May 10, which will see the doors of four pilgrimage sites including Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kedarnath open. Dham Yatra has deep spiritual significance in Hindu religion. This journey generally takes place from April–May to October–November. It is believed that one should complete the Char Dham Yatra in a clockwise direction. Therefore, the pilgrimage starts from Yamunotri, moves towards Gangotri, goes to Kedarnath and finally ends at Badrinath.