The Coimbatore Physiotherapy Doctors Union has requested the state government to add safety regularisation measures to the existing Jallikattu act of 2009 to avoid causalities and injuries during the conduct of the event.
Dr. Rajesh Khanna, General Secretary of the Coimbatore physiotherapists union, stated that, “Regulations are followed to check the health and safety of the bulls during Jallikattu by the doctors from Animal husbandry department. Similar safety measures should be implemented for the participants, as well. Poking the bulls with sharp-edged stick, spraying of pepper/chilli powder or administration of liquor to the bulls are strictly banned and these regulations need to be adhered during the Jallikattu.
In order to prevent death of the Jallikattu participants, proper chest, stomach and kidney guards should be provided to help them play the game safe sans injuries. By wearing safety braces, the participants can prevent themselves from dislocation of bones and joints during bull taming. The tamer should be evaluated by a physiotherapist, before the start of the sport.
Participants with previous/existing health issues in the heart, lungs or with high blood pressure should not be allowed to tame the bulls. A medical team comprising of a general physician and a physiotherapist should be present at every Jallikattu site to treat the injured along with a fleet of ambulances with complete facilities to provide first aid in case of emergency' Rajesh Khanna, said.
He also added that nutritional supplements like glucose water should be provided for those who are affected by dehydration during the event. Special training camps for the tamers should be conducted by the Tamil Nadu Government to improvise their skills ahead of the Jallikattu event. If all these precautionary measures are taken injuries and deaths can be avoided to a great extent', suggests Dr. Rajesh Khanna.