Sabarimala: Cardiology check-up centres on path

PATHANAMTHITTA: Additional Chief Secretary and chairman of High-Power Committee on Sabarimala Infrastructure Development K Jayakumar has said that cardiology check-up centres has been planned on the trekking path between Neelimala and Appachimedu to reduce the number of cardiac-related  deaths during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season. Talking to the Express, K Jayakumar said the four resting places built during the previous pilgrimage season on the trekking path between Neelimala and Appachimedu could be used as cardiology check-up centres, equipped with basic facilities and adequate number of para-medical personnel.Oxygen parlours will also be provided at the cardiology check-up centresThe health check-up centres could provide advise the pilgrims on their medical fitness to climb the trekking path and could refer pilgrims to the Cardiology Centres at Neelimala and Appachimedu, Jayakumar said.The need for cardiology check-up facilities on trekking path is a must to bring down the number of cardiology death cases, which stood at 35 during the last pilgrimage season, Jayakumar said.The number of check-up centres and the facilities at the centres would be decided after a visit to Sabarimala on June 16, he said.Jayakumar said that the committee received good response from sponsors to invest funds for the setting up of the check-up centres.