DEHRADUN: The state health department has ordered the early relocation of high-risk pregnant women from remote Uttarakhand villages to nearby health centres at least two weeks before their due dates, amid ongoing road blockages and access issues caused by heavy rain and landslides. The directive was issued this week by the director general of health to ensure safer deliveries during the monsoon season.As of Thursday, around 500 women across the state have been identified as needing assistance due to monsoon-related disruptions, health department data showed. In Kapkot, Bageshwar, around 150 pregnant women have already been identified. Dr Brajesh Ghatial, the medical officer-in-charge at CHC Kapkot, confirmed that arrangements have been made for the safe stay of the women and their attendants near the hospital. “Two local hotels near the health centre have been requisitioned to provide free lodging and meals for pregnant women and their caretakers,” he said.Previous year, health officials had effectively managed around 650 high-risk pregnancies across the state by taking necessary actions in advance, according to the departmental data. While in some cases, many expectant mothers had to walk or be carried for several kilometres on makeshift stretchers because of damaged or impassable roads, often risking serious complications. To avoid a repeat, ASHA workers and ANMs have been mobilised across districts to compile lists of pregnant women due in the coming weeks.(With inputs from Yogesh Nagarkoti in Bageshwar)