Guidelines for Doctors/ Medical Institutions authorized to issue Compulsory Health Certificates for Amarnath Pilgrimage (2024)

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has issued guidelines for doctors and medical institutions authorized to issue compulsory health certificates (CHCs) for the Amarnath pilgrimage. The guidelines are as follows:

• Applicants must provide information to the authorized doctor/institution about their health status, past medical history, and any ailments they may be suffering from.
• The authorized doctor/institution must issue the prescribed CHC after a detailed examination of the applicant and any necessary investigations/tests, if needed.
• The authorized doctor/institution must not issue a CHC to any applicant who is below the age of 13 years or above the age of 70 years, or to a pregnant woman with less than 6 weeks of pregnancy.
• The authorized doctor/institution must issue CHCs from 16 April onwards. CHCs issued before 16 April will not be valid for registration.
• All doctors/health institutions authorized by the state governments/UTs must appropriately evaluate the health conditions of the applicant, keeping in view the high altitude of the pilgrimage route (as high as 14,500 ft), temperature variation (the temperature goes as low as 5 degrees Celsius in case of bad weather), level of oxygen in the pilgrimage area, difficult terrain, and steep ascent in the pilgrimage route at high altitude.
• After careful examination/investigation, the authorized doctor/institution must ensure that the CHC is issued only to medically fit applicants.
• Doctors must ensure that applicants who have undergone bypass surgery or have implanted stents are not issued CHCs.
• Doctors must ensure foolproof and effective screening of intending pilgrims, especially cardiac/diabetic patients, before issuing CHCs.
• Doctors must indicate their MCI registration number and name at the appropriate places indicated in Part (B) of the enclosed CHC at Annexure-I while issuing the Compulsory Health Certificates.
• Doctors must not leave any place blank in Part (B) of the CHC while signing the CHC.
• Authorized doctors must maintain a proper record of the issuance of CHCs so that the database so generated could be analyzed for bringing about further improvements in the health care facilities in the pilgrimage area and/or for making further changes in the format of CHCs.

These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath pilgrimage. By following these guidelines, doctors and medical institutions can help to ensure that only medically fit pilgrims are allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.

Here are some additional tips for pilgrims:

• Acclimatize to the altitude before you start your trek. This means spending a few days at a lower altitude before you ascend to the higher altitudes of the pilgrimage route.
• Wear proper clothing and footwear. This includes warm clothing, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes or boots.
• Drink plenty of fluids. This is especially important at high altitudes, where the air is dry and the temperature can be cold.
• Eat a balanced diet. This will help to keep your energy levels up and prevent you from getting sick.
• Listen to your body. If you start to feel unwell, stop and rest. Do not push yourself too hard.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable Amarnath pilgrimage.