The health department is gearing up for the upcoming Ashadhi Wari Palkhi Ceremony 2025. The department has intensified its preparedness to ensure a smooth and safe passage for thousands of Warkaris accompanying the palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj and Sant Tukaram Maharaj.

Dr Radhakishan Pawar, Deputy Director of Health Services, Pune, and Dr Sachin Desai, District Health Officer, Zilla Parishad Pune, undertook an extensive field inspection of key health institutions situated along both palkhi routes on May 31, 2025. The inspection focused on emergency healthcare readiness, availability of medicines, sanitation and staff deployment.

The health department instructed the preparation of detailed treatment plans, checking of water sources at tanker filling points and health screening for workers in hotels along the palkhi route. "ICU facilities at rest points must be fully functional with medicines and specialist doctors. Ambulances must be operational and adequately staffed. Health officers and staff are to remain present full-time," the department added.

Medical superintendents have been directed to maintain strict vigilance in rural hospitals. Immediate clean-up was ordered. "Teams are instructed to increase patient coverage, as health outreach was found lacking. Ayurvedic services for pilgrims must be strengthened. Sub-centres must remain open during regular hours. Community Health Officers (CHOs) are to ensure daily presence for OPD, vaccination drives, and home visits. All health workers and assistants are to carry out routine home visits and maintain updated records and stock of essential medicines. ICU rooms must remain operational full-time. Plans for a temporary treatment centre along the palkhi route must be completed on priority at the Sub-District Hospital, Baramati. Regular coordination with the Baramati Municipal Council for water supply and sanitation is to be maintained," they stated.

"Similar instructions have been issued regarding treatment planning, sanitation, and hotel inspections. ICU setup and temporary treatment facilities are to be arranged at each stop. Duty charts for all staff must be prominently displayed. Strict cleanliness must be maintained in and around the hospital premises. These measures aim to deliver preventive, curative, and emergency healthcare services to the thousands of Warkaris participating in the spiritual journey," said Dr Radhakishan Pawar, Deputy Director of Health Services.

With firm directives from senior health authorities, all facilities along the palkhi routes are now gearing up for a safe, hygienic, and efficient movement of Warkaris during the Ashadhi Wari 2025.