Life-saving unit launched at Sabarimala

KozhIkode: With 31 Sabarimala pilgrims having died so far this year, an elaborate life saving package is being launched for devotees making their way to the religious centre by the health department with the support of the Travancore Devaswam Board and the Active Network Group of Emergency Life Savers (ANGELS), a Kozhikode NGO specializing in emergency care.

As on an average, 30 pilgrims die every season at Sannidhanam, mostly of cardiac arrest, the Sabarimala Sanjeevani Task Force will deploy volunteers extensively trained in emergency medical care between Pamba and Sannidhanam to help devotees who may fall ill during the pilgrimage.

“Life saving measures will be taken by volunteers on the spot and also during transit to hospital,” says ANGELS’ executive director, Dr PP Venugopal.

"Its shameful for such a large number of pilgrims to die in a state like Kerala that boasts of good healthcare," says nodal officer of the project, Dr Saiju Hameed.