With lakhs of devotees expected to visit the three-day Kumbh Mela at Triveni Sangam, in Tirumakudalu Narasipura (T Narsipur) from February 17, the departments of District Health and Family Welfare and Ayush have made all arrangements to open temporary hospitals to attend to the devotees.
District Health Officer Dr B Basavaraju said that two hospitals would be set up, one near Agasthyeshwara temple and another near Gunja Narasimhaswamy temple.
He said, "Around 10 lakh people are expected to attend the Kumbh Mela, so preparations are being made to stock sufficient medicines. Besides, arrangements have been made for 20 additional beds at the government hospital in T Narsipur. A physician, a surgeon, an orthopedician and a pediatrician from the KR Hospital in Mysuru would be deployed at the hospitals for three days. Four ambulances will be stationed in case of emergencies. Doctors and para medical staff would work in three shifts, during the three-day festival."
Prasada alert
The district administration is on a high alert over prasada distribution and has tightened the norms to check any casualty. "It has been made mandatory to get permission from the tahsildar, if anyone is distributing prasada during the festival. The officers have been appointed to check the quality of food and adulteration, before it is distributed. All precautionary measures are being taken to ensure that the festival is hassle-free," he added.
Ayurveda and Unani
District Ayush officer Dr B N Seethalakshmi said that with hundreds of rishis and munis from across the country visiting the Kumbh Mela, exclusive Ayurveda and Unani treatment centres will be opened for their convenience. "Karuna Trust, a non-government organisation, has made arrangements to set up a unit on its premises. Thirteen doctors and seven employees will work in shifts. The centres will cater to those who seek these branches of medicine," she explained.