Keep ambulances, doctors ready at event venues: Govt to Garba organisers

Amid anecdotal accounts of deaths due to cardiac arrests among the young, Gujarat Health minister Rushikesh Patel Tuesday announced the state government has decided to station ambulances and medical staff at garba venues this year on all nine days of Navratri.

“While we do not know the cause, it is a reality that almost everyday one or two cases are being notified where young people are getting heart attacks. I suggest that depending on symptoms, people should get themselves checked up and I believe those aged above 30-40 years should do annual health check-ups. In cities, venues where big garba events are held, points are being allocated and even in villages, staff at CHC, PHCs have been alerted to provide timely treatment. Organisers have to make such arrangements at the venue,” said Patel.

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Meanwhile, responding to a query on arrangements being made to ensure that “vidharmi” (a person from other religions, non-Hindus) do not attend the garbas, Patel said, “Police and the home department is making arrangements everywhere to ensure that no untoward incident takes place.”