Kolkata, Aug 24 — In a unique gesture of compassion, Eastern Railway (ER) medical staff are applying a healing touch to thousands of devotees suffering from physical injury, exhaustion and dehydration after completing their pilgrimage to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar.

Till August 17, ER has recorded a footfall of nearly 20 lakh pilgrims who passed through its stations to reach the site, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a Shakti Peeth. "As thousands of devotees undertake the arduous Shravani Mela pilgrimage, ER's dedicated medical teams at Jasidih and Deoghar stations are working 24/7 to deliver prompt, compassionate care to pilgrims battling physical exhaustion, dehydration, and injuries," a senior official said.

There are instructions from General Manager Gitika Pandey and Sangrah Maurya, Divisional Railway Manager, Asansol, to railway medical teams to remain on round-the-clock alert to provide timely care to pilgrims and address health concerns arising from prolonged walking, physical exertion and fatigue.

"Medical staff at the Deoghar First Aid Booth provided advanced wound care for severe foot injuries to devotees suffering from extensive, ruptured friction blisters across the forefoot and toes caused by prolonged barefoot walking. The team thoroughly cleaned, irrigated and dressed the exposed raw areas with sterile, non-adherent padding, administered analgesics, assessed the need for tetanus prophylaxis, and provided essential guidance for proper recovery," the official said.

Medical staff at Jasidih station swiftly arranged wheelchair assistance for a disoriented pilgrim requiring emergency care for heat exhaustion and disorientation. At the Jasidih Health Unit, doctors stabilised him with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), close clinical observation and supportive care, successfully restoring his alertness before safely reuniting him with his family.

Nataraj Basappa, principal chief medical director, ER, is closely monitoring medical arrangements at Jasidih and Deoghar during the ongoing Shravani Mela, treating pilgrim healthcare and well-being as a priority.

He has reviewed facilities, interacted with pilgrims and patients through repeated visits to medical and first-aid centres, and assessed the preparedness of medical teams to provide prompt treatment and immediate assistance. This medical aid ensures that the pilgrims do not suffer complications on returning home and return to their daily routine smoothly.

Special arrangements were made by ER for the pilgrims at the station. These included holding areas to prevent overcrowding on the platforms, rest areas with mobile charging points, drinking water facilities and toilets. There was constant CCTV monitoring to ensure safety, while medical staff kept watch on the pilgrims' health.

"These instances reflect ER's unwavering commitment to timely medical intervention, continuous monitoring and compassionate care for pilgrims during the Shravani Mela. From treating foot injuries to managing dehydration, exhaustion and other health concerns, prompt medical attention helps prevent complications and ensures a safer, healthier and more comfortable pilgrimage experience for every devotee," the official added.

"Passenger and pilgrim safety remains our foremost priority. ER's responsibility goes far beyond transit—through dedicated medical teams, prompt wheelchair assistance, and compassionate care, we strive to stand beside every devotee. We are reaching the spiritual hearts of thousands by providing care, compassion and a helping hand at every step," ER CPRO Shibram Majhi noted.

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