In preparation for the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan at the ongoing Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government has placed the entire Prayagraj division’s medical infrastructure on high alert. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed all medical professionals across Mahakumbh Nagar and the division to remain vigilant to safeguard the health and well-being of millions of devotees.
Basant Panchami signifies the third and final Amrit Snan at the Maha Kumbh, with two additional significant bathing rituals scheduled on February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Mahashivratri). Given the tragic stampede at Sangam on January 29, which resulted in at least 30 deaths and over 60 injuries, the government has escalated its medical response and crowd management efforts.
To manage the enormous influx of pilgrims, more than 1,200 medical personnel are stationed at Mahakumbh Nagar, ensuring immediate medical assistance. The medical teams will remain deployed until February 6, with backup plans in place to handle any unforeseen emergencies.
A four-member special medical team has inspected all sector hospitals within the fairground, verifying medicine stockpiles and equipment readiness. Hospitals such as Swarup Rani Nehru Hospital and Tej Bahadur Sapru Hospital have been placed on high alert to handle medical emergencies effectively.
At Swarup Rani Nehru Hospital, extensive preparations include:
- Deployment of 500 staff members on standby.
- Discharge of most non-critical patients to make room for emergencies.
- Reservation of 150 beds exclusively for critical cases.
- 60 resident doctors on 24-hour alert.
- Availability of 30 CT scan machines, MRI, and ultrasound facilities.
- A 200-unit blood bank linked to an emergency alarm system for rapid response.
Dr. Gaurav Dubey, the nodal officer for medical services at the Maha Kumbh fair, emphasized the importance of emergency medical response. “Patients will be immediately transferred to Swarup Rani Nehru Hospital or Tej Bahadur Sapru Hospital if necessary. Medical teams across Prayagraj and Mahakumbh Nagar are fully prepared to manage any critical situations,” he stated.
Chief Minister Adityanath has strictly instructed that no medical staff should leave their post before February 5. To reinforce the preparedness, additional medical teams have been stationed within the fairground for at least three to four days, ensuring uninterrupted care for pilgrims.
Sector hospitals across the Maha Kumbh fairground are undergoing routine inspections to maintain a steady supply of medicines and functional medical equipment. A dedicated four-member medical inspection team, including nodal medical officer Dr. Umakant Sanyal, Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Manoj Kaushik, Assistant Nodal Medical Officer Dr. Ram Singh, and medical establishment officer Dr. Gaurav Dubey, is overseeing these evaluations.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reiterated that ensuring the safety and health of devotees is his top priority. The state government has established a robust healthcare network at the Maha Kumbh, featuring:
- A 100-bed central hospital equipped with advanced facilities.
- Two 25-bed sub-central hospitals.
- Eight 20-bed sector hospitals.
- Two 20-bed infectious disease hospitals.
- Ten first aid posts across key locations within the fairground.
Dr. Santosh Singh, PRO of Motilal Nehru Medical College, confirmed that all essential medical services would be available for pilgrims. “Over 500 medical staff members at Swarup Rani Nehru Hospital are on high alert, with 150 beds exclusively allocated for emergency use. Additionally, 60 resident doctors are available around the clock, supported by 30 CT scan machines, MRI, ultrasound, and a 200-unit blood bank connected to a quick-response alarm system. Over 50 ambulances are on standby, with SDRF, NDRF, and police teams assisting in medical operations,” he elaborated.
To ensure the continuous availability of healthcare professionals, the government has arranged accommodation and food provisions for doctors and medical personnel at Swarup Rani Nehru Hospital. All staff members have been instructed to remain within hospital premises for immediate deployment.
The Maha Kumbh has already recorded over 33 crore visitors since its commencement on January 13. With millions of devotees participating in the Basant Panchami Snan and other upcoming bathing rituals, the government remains committed to ensuring seamless medical support and maintaining public safety.
As the Maha Kumbh progresses, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, reaffirming their commitment to the well-being of all attendees at this sacred gathering.
