Prayagraj, January 8: On a chilly morning in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, the melodious chants of pilgrims filled the air, blending seamlessly with the soft hum of activity at the Central Hospital in Maha Kumbh Nagar.
Amid the bustling scene, Rameshwar, a 55-year-old devotee from Madhya Pradesh, sat with a calm smile, his chest pains a distant memory. Just days earlier, he had been rushed to the hospital with severe cardiac distress. Thanks to the swift action of ICU specialists and state-of-the-art facilities, his life was saved. He expressed gratitude for the visionary healthcare arrangements at Maha Kumbh 2025.
This year, Maha Kumbh promises not just spiritual rejuvenation but also unparalleled medical care for millions of pilgrims arriving from around the globe. With robust planning and advanced technology, the state government has turned this massive spiritual gathering into a beacon of health and safety.
A remarkable highlight of the Maha Kumbh's healthcare efforts is the Netra Kumbh (Eye Fair), an initiative aimed at combating vision impairment. The event's ambitious target includes distributing 3,00,000 eyeglasses and conducting 5,00,000 OPDs, with a daily goal of 10,000 consultations.
Covering 10 acres, the Netra Kumbh boasts 11 hangars, where pilgrims undergo systematic eye examinations. After registration, they meet doctors in chambers equipped with four specialists and ten optometrists each, as per a government release.
This initiative follows its earlier success, which earned a spot in the Limca Book of World Records. This year, the goal is the Guinness Book of World Records. For those inspired to give back, the Netra Kumbh offers an eye donation camp. With over 15 million blind individuals in India, many due to corneal issues, the initiative seeks to bridge this gap.
The Central Hospital at Parade Ground, operational for weeks, stands as the cornerstone of Maha Kumbh's medical facilities. With 100 beds, it caters to diverse needs, from OPD consultations to ICU care. The hospital has already successfully conducted deliveries and treated over 10,000 patients. On the first day of the year alone, 900 patients received care, underscoring the scale and efficiency of the arrangements. In Sector 24, Arail, the Sub-Central Hospital complements these efforts. Equipped with 25 beds and advanced facilities akin to the Central Hospital, it serves as a critical node for healthcare delivery.
Notable advancements include the introduction of ECG facilities and a Central Pathology Lab conducting over 100 tests daily. Pilgrims can avail more than 50 free diagnostic tests, ensuring comprehensive care. Recent AI-driven technology further bridges language barriers, enabling seamless communication between doctors and patients speaking 22 regional and 19 international languages.
To address emergencies among the millions traveling by train, the Prayagraj Rail Division has established Medical Observation Rooms at key stations, including Prayagraj Junction, Naini, and Subedarganj. Staffed 24/7, these rooms are equipped with essential tools like ECG machines, defibrillators, and glucometers. In severe cases, patients are transferred to nearby hospitals via ambulances, ensuring timely and effective care. These observation rooms are staffed by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists working in shifts.
Behind the scenes, a team of 240 doctors from across India forms the backbone of Maha Kumbh's healthcare system. To support their efforts, accommodations include 40 dormitories for doctors, separate facilities for women, and additional dormitories for volunteers and pilgrims. What makes this arrangement unique is the provision of region-specific meals, ensuring a homely experience for the doctors dedicating their time and expertise.
Amidst these efforts, stories of hope emerge. Ajay Kumar and Puja, a couple from Fatehpur, welcomed a baby boy at the Central Hospital. Considering his birth, a divine blessing of Maha Kumbh, they named him Jamuna Prasad, inspired by the sacred Yamuna River. Dr Jasmine, who oversaw the delivery, confirmed that both mother and baby are healthy.
As Maha Kumbh 2025 unfolds, its medical facilities set a new benchmark for healthcare in mass gatherings. From the cutting-edge ICUs to the innovative AI systems and compassionate initiatives like the Netra Kumbh, this event encapsulates the fusion of tradition and modernity. The Uttar Pradesh Government's vision of a "healthy and safe" Maha Kumbh is not just a promise but a reality. For Rameshwar, Ajay, and countless others, Maha Kumbh is more than a spiritual journey; it's a testament to the healing power of collective effort and care. As the sacred rivers flow, so does the unwavering commitment to serve humanity, one life at a time.
