As the highly anticipated Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, along with siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra, approaches on June 27, 2025, the Odisha Government has taken major steps to reinforce the health infrastructure in Puri to ensure medical preparedness and safety for the lakhs of devotees expected to arrive in the holy town. In a major move, the state has deployed 378 additional healthcare professionals from across Odisha to support the local medical system during the festival. This team includes specialist doctors such as cardiologists and neurosurgeons, general duty doctors, a large number of AYUSH medical officers, pharmacists, nursing officers, and food safety officers. For the first time ever, a special team from AIIMS-Bhubaneswar will also be stationed in Puri to provide critical care and additional medical support during the festivities. Their presence is expected to significantly enhance emergency response capabilities during this high-footfall event.

To strengthen hospital capacity, the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Puri has allocated 68 beds exclusively for Rath Yatra-related medical needs. This includes general beds, burn ward beds, and ICU beds to deal with any serious health emergencies. Across the city, an additional 265 hospital beds have been arranged in anticipation of the large gathering. The DHH Blood Bank has also stocked 200 units of blood, and the hospital has been equipped with two minor operation theatres and specialised dressing rooms to conduct minor surgical procedures and treat injuries swiftly.

The medical support system will be further reinforced by a network of 69 first aid centres that will operate round-the-clock during the Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra, and Suna Besha. Each centre will be manned by MBBS or AYUSH doctors, pharmacists, and trained medical support staff, ensuring immediate care for minor injuries, dehydration, or heat stroke cases among devotees.To ensure rapid patient transport and on-the-spot care, 74 ambulances will be stationed at strategic locations throughout Puri. These ambulances will be on standby throughout the Rath Yatra period to transport patients quickly to the nearest healthcare facility when required.

To coordinate all health-related operations, a dedicated health control room has been set up, which will function 24x7 during the entire Rath Yatra period. Citizens and devotees can contact the control room for any health emergencies or information. The helpline numbers for the control room are +91 6370560247 (mobile) and 06752-222175 (landline).