Kerala Deploys Extensive Medical Support for Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season

As the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season formally begins on November 15, 2025, the Kerala Health Department has implemented a comprehensive plan to ensure the well-being of devotees. A round-the-clock control center has been opened at Pampa, the starting point of the trekking route, to coordinate emergency operations.

In collaboration with the Travancore Devaswom Board, the department has set up emergency medical centers along the path from Pampa to the Sannidhanam, the holy shrine. The Government Medical College in Konni will serve as the base hospital, while the Pathanamthitta General Hospital will provide emergency cardiology and cath-lab services.

Ambulance services equipped to handle cardiac emergencies will be deployed, along with a special ambulance service operating between the Sannidhanam and Pampa. All hospitals in the pilgrimage zone will be equipped with defibrillators, ventilators, and cardiac monitors, and fully equipped laboratories will operate at Nilackal and Pampa. Additionally, temporary dispensaries will be set up, including one at the Pandalam Valiya Koyickal temple.

The Food Safety department has formed special squads to inspect food outlets, and health cards have been made mandatory for all employees. Pilgrims have also been advised to take special care to prevent water from entering their noses while bathing, in light of the rise in amoebic meningitis cases in the state.