Health Services to Over 1.3 Lakh Patients through ‘Arogyachi Wari, Pandhari Chi Dari’ Initiative.

Mumbai : The health department has successfully implemented the ‘Arogyachi Wari, Pandhari Chi Dari’ initiative, providing health services to pilgrims journeying to Pandharpur for the darshan of Vithuraya on the occasion of Ashadhi Vari. As of July 17th, 13,96,072 patients have received free medical treatment under this program. This special initiative was launched under the concept and guidance of Health Minister Prof. Dr. Tanaji Sawant, on behalf of the Public Health Department.

Palanquins of saints from various districts, including those of Sant Shree Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj, along with thousands of Varkaris participating in about 1000 Dindis, traveled to Pandharpur for Ashadhi Ekadashi to see Panduranga. For the second consecutive year, the health department’s ‘Arogyachi Wari, Pandhari Chi Dari’ initiative ensured immediate medical attention was available for any health issues encountered during the journey. ‘Aapla Dawakhana’ clinics were set up every 5 km along the route.

During the Wari, 6,368 health officers and employees provided medical services, treating 2,327 patients in temporary hospitals. Temporary Intensive Care Units (ICUs) with 5 beds were ready at each Palkhi and Dindi stop, equipped with oxygen, monitors, and medicines.

Medical professionals including doctors, nurses, health assistants, Asha workers, and health workers served during the Ashadhi Wari. Two-wheeled ambulances were deployed for treating fever, colds, coughs, dressing wounds, and diarrhea, ensuring accessibility in crowded areas where larger ambulances could not operate. Additionally, 102 and 108 ambulances were on standby along the palanquin route.

Women-specific services were also provided at every location, with gynecologists available for female patients and the establishment of Hirakni Rooms at Palkhi stops.

Services Provided on Palkhi Marg and in Pandharpur through the Public Health Department:

• ‘Aapla Dawakhana’ clinics every 5 km: 258
• 24/7 availability of 102 and 108 ambulances: 707
• Medicinal kits for Dindi chiefs: 5885
• Gynecologists for women patients: 136
• Establishment of Hirakni Rooms at Palkhi stops: 136
• Health envoys on the Palkhi route: 212
• Information, education, and messaging Chitrarath with palanquin: 9
• Intensive care rooms with 5-bed capacity at Palkhi stops: 87
• Health Education Dialogue Health Dyaneshwari Initiative