Mahakumbh

Nagar, 22 Feb (HS): As the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj nears its conclusion;

the Amrita Medical Team has successfully provided extensive healthcare services

to more than 150,000 pilgrims, further strengthening our unwavering commitment

to serving humanity by ensuring accessible and quality medical care at one of

the world's largest religious gatherings. Spanning 45 days, the Maha Kumbh Mela

has drawn millions of devotees to the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna,

and the mythical Saraswati rivers. With an estimated 600 million participants

attending the event, providing medical services has been crucial in ensuring

the well-being of the pilgrims. Given the influx of people, there has been an

increased risk of communicable diseases, respiratory ailments, and chronic

illness-related emergencies, making the presence of medical services vital.

Our

dedicated medical unit, consisting of 15 doctors, 15 nurses, 10 paramedical

personnel, and numerous support staff and volunteers, has been operating 24/7.

The team set up a temporary hospital equipped with ten beds, a state-of-the-art

Telemedicine vehicle, an ambulance, and a breast cancer awareness bus offering

free mammography screenings. The facility has also provided on-site care for

waterborne diseases, minor injuries, and chronic disease management. Free

medications worth over Rs. 50 lakhs (approximately $60,000) have been

distributed to those in need.

Significance

of Cancer Screenings at the Maha Kumbh Mela: Recognizing the need for increased

cancer awareness and detection, the medical services at Maha Kumbh Mela have

integrated free cancer screening programs. The presence of a dedicated breast

cancer awareness bus, equipped with mammography machines, has been a

game-changer in early detection, particularly among women from rural areas who

have limited access to specialized healthcare. Such initiatives play a crucial

role in breaking myths surrounding cancer and encouraging early diagnosis and

timely intervention.

Reflecting

on this initiative, Swami Nijamritananda Puri, Administrative Director of Amrita

Hospital, Faridabad, stated: “By sending the medical team to the Kumbh Mela,

Amma has upheld the message of strengthening love among different cultures. Our

healthcare mission aligns with the vision of ensuring that every individual,

regardless of background, has access to quality medical services.”

Senior

Brahmachari Mokshamrita Chaitanya emphasized the importance of early detection

in combating cancer, stating, As we know, Cancer remains one of the

leading health challenges in India, affecting millions of lives across all age

groups and communities. It is not just a statistic—it impacts our families,

friends, and loved ones in profound ways. By promoting early detection,

increasing awareness, and ensuring accessible screenings, we can take meaningful

steps toward reducing its burden and saving lives.

He

further added, Amma says that the creator has become the creation. By

serving others, we are in fact serving God. This initiative reflects Amma’s

vision of selfless service and compassion, aiming to provide accessible

healthcare to underserved populations. The presence of the mammography van at

the Kumbh Mela not only facilitates early detection of breast cancer but also

raises awareness about the disease among the masses. In addition to medical services,

the Ashram is also arranging a free food facility (Annadan) for all pilgrims,

ensuring that no one goes hungry during their spiritual journey. Along with

healthcare, the Ashram is offering various spiritual programs, satsangs, and

meditation sessions, allowing devotees to immerse themselves in an atmosphere

of devotion, learning, and well-being.”

Key

Healthcare Services Provided

Diabetes

Screening: Over 1000 pilgrims underwent blood sugar level tests to detect and

manage diabetes early.

Minor

Injury management: Over 50k individuals received treatment for cuts and minor

injuries.

Injection

Administration: Over 500 patients were administered essential injections for

infections and chronic diseases.

Respiratory

Care: 250 patients benefited from nebulization treatments for asthma and other

respiratory ailments, especially due to increased air pollution and cold

weather conditions.

X

Ray, ECG, Plaster etc.: 1000 patients benefited through our tele medicine van

Specialized

Diagnostic Facilities Impact

Breast

Cancer Screenings: 30 women availed mammography screenings, aiding in the early

detection of breast health concerns.

Laboratory

Testing: 456 individuals accessed diagnostic services through the I-Lab Van,

offering essential laboratory testing for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

General

Check-ups: More than 100,000 pilgrims, including elderly individuals, sought

preventive and primary healthcare consultations.

In

addition to medical care, Ashram sanyasis and brahmacharis consecrated a sacred

space adjacent to the medical facilities, where traditional rites and

continuous chanting of sacred names took place, enveloping the area in divine

vibrations. Pilgrims actively participated in prayers focused on world peace

and harmony, immersing themselves in spiritual discourses, devotional singing,

and meditation guided by revered saints. The Ashram also conducted sacred fire

rituals (homas) for purification and universal well-being, fostering an environment

where holistic healing transcended the physical realm, embracing the spiritual

and emotional well-being of devotees. Through these sacred ceremonies, the

essence of selfless service intertwined seamlessly with divine grace,

reinforcing the profound connection between faith and healing.

Through

such humanitarian efforts, Amma’s teachings of love, service, and selfless

compassion are brought to life, reaffirming the message that true spirituality

is deeply intertwined with caring for humanity. As the Maha Kumbh Mela draws to

a close, the Amrita Medical Team remains steadfast in its mission to provide

compassionate and high-quality healthcare services to communities in need,

embodying the principles of selfless service and universal love.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi