11 babies born at special Kumbh hospital in heart of mela

Representative photo

The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, a massive spiritual gathering spread across 4,000 hectares, has seen millions of visitors over the past couple of months. For 11 women and their families, their Kumbh experience became even more memorable as they gave birth at the Central Hospital set up in the heart of the Kumbh area.

Since its inception, the Central Hospital, one of 13 hospitals and 10 first-aid posts dedicated to Kumbh pilgrims, has been a lifeline for them, according to an Indian Express report. With a team of 105 staff members, including four gynecologists, the hospital is equipped to handle deliveries and offers a range of services like an OPD, ICU, general ward, operation theatre, and diagnostic facilities. It is one of the primary centers offering medical care for pregnant women visiting the Kumbh.

The first delivery took place on December 29, when 20-year-old Sonam from Kaushambi gave birth to a boy named Kumbh. Sonam and her husband Raja were assisted by ambulances stationed at various locations in the area, which helped transport them to the hospital.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister, Brajesh Pathak, congratulated the family while praising the hospital's services. Dy CM Pathak also highlighted the hospital's capacity to cater to various health needs, especially the delivery care for women.

The most recent delivery happened on February 6, when Kanchan, a 30-year-old woman from Barabanki, welcomed a baby boy. Dr. Manoj Kaushik, the chief medical superintendent, said that, so far, all 11 births at the hospital have been smooth and normal.

Women from various districts of UP have given birth in the central hospital, such as Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, and Jaunpur. There are women from other states like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan as well. These women come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, Ranging from wives of temporary workers at the Kumbh site to business families, these women belong to diverse socio-economic backgrounds

The 24-year-old homemaker from Gwalior Jyoti Sharma arrived at the Kumbh on January 22 with her family. Her father-in-law, Rakesh Sharma, said that the family was assured by the doctor that Jyoti’s delivery was still weeks away. However, on January 27, when Jyoti went into labour, an ambulance quickly transported her to the hospital. Despite logistical challenges due to the crowded Kumbh area, Jyoti had a safe delivery and was discharged later in the day.

“We (other family members) couldn’t reach Central Hospital as security officials at the crossing didn’t allow us to go there because of the big crowd in the area. We got the news of the baby over the phone. Jyoti was discharged later in the evening,” her father-in-law said. They stayed at the Kumbh for two more days before returning to Gwalior.

Dr. Kaushik said that since the official start of the Kumbh Mela on January 13, the healthcare facilities at the site have been working tirelessly and have treated over 64,000 patients so far.