Amrita Medical Team Provides Comprehensive Healthcare to Over 150,000 Pilgrims at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj

Prayagraj, India  – 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 ₹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 50,000 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.