India, July 6 -- In a first-of-its-kind initiative, critically ill warkaris (devotees) this year will have access to an air ambulance service during the Ashadhi Wari, with the state government introducing the emergency service as part of an expanded healthcare network for the annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur.

Public health minister Prakash Abitkar made the announcement on Saturday during a review meeting on health preparedness for the Ashadhi Ekadashi Yatra.

Abitkar said, "This year, we are introducing an air ambulance facility for critically ill patients and digital health services to ensure that emergency medical care is available without delay. There should be no compromise in the quality of healthcare provided to devotees during the ...