Metro India News | Hyderabad 

With millions of devotees expected to attend the historic Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara in Medaram, the Telangana State Health Department is taking steps to implement an extensive and foolproof medical contingency plan. Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha reviewed the preparations during a high-level video conference on Saturday and directed all officials to ensure zero compromise on the health and safety of pilgrims.

A state-of-the-art 50-bed main hospital named Sri Sammakka Saralamma Vaidya Shala has been established at the TTD Kalyana Mandapam to serve as the primary healthcare facility at the Jatara site. This is supported by two 6-bed mini-hospitals strategically located in high-traffic zones — one at Jampanna Vagu and the other at the English Medium School. These facilities will provide immediate and specialised care for medical emergencies.

Additionally, 30 peripheral medical camps have been established across the Jatara premises to provide prompt first aid, basic treatment, and health monitoring to devotees. Officials confirmed that three key camps — at the Altars (Gaddelu), Jampanna Vaagu, and RTC Bus Stand — are already operational to cater to the early influx of pilgrims.

Recognising the long journeys undertaken by devotees, the department has established 42 en-route medical camps along eight major routes leading to Medaram from various districts and neighbouring states. These camps provide essential healthcare support during travel, with the highest density of nine camps on the Hanamkonda–Medaram route.

A total of 3,199 medical personnel, including 544 doctors (72 specialists and 42 lady doctors) and 2,150 paramedics from erstwhile Warangal and Khammam districts, have been mobilised to ensure 24/7 coverage in shifts. Additionally, 35 ambulances have been strategically positioned for rapid response, enabling "Golden Hour" treatment in cases of cardiac emergencies, road accidents, and other critical conditions.

Mulugu Government General Hospital and MGM Hospital, Warangal, have been designated as key referral centres, with staff instructed to remain on high alert for the next 30 days.

Raja Narasimha directed the Director of Public Health Dr. Ravinder Naik to conduct an immediate field inspection of the arrangements at Medaram.