Office of the District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO), Visakhapatnam | Date: 20-07-2026 Directives regarding emergency medical service preparedness for private and corporate hospitals and medical colleges in view of the Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina (July 28, 29).

                   K.V.SHARMA EDITOR 

Visakhapatnam Indian News Times:Lakhs of devotees are expected to flock to the grand "Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina" (a 32-km circumambulation pilgrimage) of Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, scheduled for July 28 and 29. To manage the heavy influx of devotees, the intense heat, and any potential medical emergencies, the District Medical and Health Officer (DM&HO) has ordered all private hospitals, corporate hospitals, and private medical colleges located within the 32-km radius of the Giri Pradakshina route to strictly adhere to the following directives:

Key Directives:

Stocking Emergency Medicines & Blood: All hospitals must stock life-saving drugs, emergency IV fluids, ORS packets, and adequate blood reserves in advance. Equipment such as ventilators and oxygen cylinders in ICUs and emergency wards must be fully functional and ready for use.  Suspension of Elective Surgeries and OPD Services: Except for emergency cases, all routine and elective (pre-planned) surgeries must be suspended for these two days. Routine Outpatient (OPD) services should be scaled back to prioritize the Emergency/Trauma departments.

Rescheduling for Dialysis and Chemotherapy Patients: Patients undergoing dialysis, chemotherapy, and other long-term treatments must be informed in advance, and their treatment schedules should be adjusted—either advanced (preponed) or postponed—relative to the *Giripradakshina* dates. This will prevent travel-related difficulties for them during periods of heavy congestion.

Vehicle Regulation in the Health City Area: In the vicinity of the Arilova/Chinagadili "Health City," the movement of non-essential vehicles belonging to hospital staff and administrative departments must be strictly curtailed; only emergency medical vehicles (ambulances) should be permitted. Clear passage must be maintained for vehicles transporting emergency patients.

Note: Strict action, in accordance with regulations, will be taken against hospitals that fail to comply with these emergency directives issued in the interest of public health and the safety of devotees. All hospitals are required to submit their preparedness report to the DM&HO office by July 25.

District Medical and Health Officer          Visakhapatnam