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
