Puri Rath Yatra 2026: Odisha Govt Sets Up Robust Health Infrastructure for Devotees
The Odisha government has unveiled extensive health arrangements ahead of the Puri Rath Yatra 2026 to safeguard lakhs of devotees expected to throng the holy city.
Eight temporary 10‑bed hospitals have been set up along Badadanda (Grand Road), while the District Headquarters Hospital in Puri has been strengthened with a 10‑bed ICU, Trauma Care Centre, Burn Ward, and a fully equipped operation theatre.
An additional 150 beds have been arranged in a new hospital building to handle the surge in patients.
A strong medical workforce has been deployed, including 230 doctors, 66 specialists such as cardiologists and neurologists, 200 nursing officers, and 229 paramedical staff.
Special heat stroke facilities have been created with 10 beds at the District Hospital, two at Community Health Centres, and one at a Primary Health Centre.
Emergency preparedness includes 30 First Aid Centres across Puri, with 11 operating round‑the‑clock on Badadanda.
Forty‑six ambulances, including two Advanced Life Support (ALS) units, will be stationed strategically.
Food Safety Officers will monitor quality standards, while 30 trained staff equipped with oxygen canisters will be positioned at key points.
These comprehensive measures highlight the state government’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of devotees during the grand festival.
