Prayagraj: Over 2.11 lakh devotees have received medical treatment and OPD services from specialist doctors at the ongoing Magh Mela so far.In fact, more than 350 medical and paramedical staff, stationed at temporary health units in the seven sectors of the Mela ground, provided 24 x 7 health services to visitors.With over 21 crore devotees taking a holy dip in Triveni Sangam in the past 32 days (from Paush Purnima (January 3) to Magh Purnima (February 1)), the mela administration also chalked out a comprehensive and multi-layered medical system for devotees and visitors.Chief Medical Officer (Prayagraj) Dr Arun Kumar Tiwari said that as many as 2,11,825 OPD services were provided at the temporary hospitals and primary health units set up at the Magh Mela until Magh Purnima. He added, “An average of 7,391 OPD services were provided daily.” Moreover, as many as 17,487 pathology tests were conducted for patients visiting the health units in various sectors of the mela ground. During this period, a total of 1,814 minor operations were also performed.The CMO, meanwhile, said, “Extensive arrangements were made by the health department to ensure the health of the millions of devotees. Complete preparations were made at the Magh Mela area to treat patients ranging from those with minor ailments to those with serious conditions.”The CMO said that 2 large temporary hospitals with 20 beds each were established at Parade Ground and on the Jhunsi side across the Ganga. In addition, 12 more hospitals with 2 beds each were set up in various sectors of the Magh Mela area. More than 350 medical and paramedical staff were deployed at these temporary hospitals. These temporary hospitals provided facilities ranging from OPD services and free medicine distribution to emergency minor surgeries, deliveries, and blood tests. By Magh Purnima, a total of 2,331 emergency cases were reported, and fortunately, no casualties occurred during this period.
