PROFILE OF AMARNATHJI YATRI PATIENTS ATTENDING SHER-I-KASHMIR INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES SRINAGAR INDIA DURING THE YEAR 2015

Background The holy cave shrine of Amarnath is one of the important pilgrimage sites of Hinduism and is one such site of great reverence for the Hindus. The 130-ft high holy cave of “Baba Amaranthji,” situated in the Northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir at a height of 13,000 ft (3882 m) and about 141kms from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir and believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Because of high altitude, rough terrain, harsh weather, pilgrims are prone to many illnesses which sometimes these prove fatal. Objective To study the profile and outcome, among yatri patients attending SKIMS Methodology A prospective study was carried out during the yatra period, all pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra who were referred to SKIMS from July-August 2015 were studied and the patients were followed from admission till discharge. The pattern and outcome of illness in Yatris attending Yatra in the year 2015 was compared with the results of year 2011. Results Out of 61 patients received at SKIMS, 33 (54.10%) were having minor ailments and were seen on OPD basis, 28 (45.91%) were admitted. 21(75%) admitted were males. Patients received at SKIMS were in the range from 21- 72 years. 12(42%) were from Central and Eastern part of India. At the time of arrival 5 (17.29%) were Acute Myocardial Infarction followed by 4 (14.29%High Altitude Cerebellar Edema), 4 (14.29%) Road Traffic Accident and 4 (14.29%) Fall from Height. Out of 28 admitted patients 12 (42.9%) patients improved, 6(21.4%) recovered, 8(28.6%) were discharged on request, 1 (3.6%) was referred and 1 (3.6%) expired Conclusions Comparison of the present study with previous study in year 2011 shows that the no. of referred patients had decreased significantly in present study which may be attributed to better pre yatra health checkup and up gradation of health care facilities enroute Amarnath cave. There was significant increase in discharge of cases on request, which may be attributes to the better transport facility arrangements for Yatri patients to their home town.