Tirumala: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has issued an advisory urging pilgrims walking to Tirumala to take necessary health precautions, noting an increase in heart-related cases among devotees on the footpath routes.
TTD recommended that pilgrims over 60 and those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, asthma, epilepsy, arthritis, and heart issues avoid the strenuous walk to Tirumala, as it could be unsafe given the low oxygen levels at the high elevation.
TTD advises all devotees with chronic illnesses to carry their daily medications and be mindful of potential health risks. For those facing medical concerns along the way, first aid and medical assistance are available at Alipiri footpath points, including the 1,500th step, Gali Gopuram, and Bhashayakarla Sannidhi. In Tirumala, the Ashwini Hospital and other health centers provide round-the-clock medical support.
For pilgrims requiring kidney-related emergency care, dialysis facilities are also available at the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) in Tirupati.
TTD’s advisory aims to ensure that all devotees prioritize their health while undertaking this revered pilgrimage, especially as cases of fatigue and altitude-related issues have been rising.
