At the time of the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, several oncologists from the Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) have taken an initiative to examine the devotees for oral cancer.

The initiative has been taken since the cases related to oral cancer have ascended by 40%.

Why Kumbh Mela?

City oncologists chose the Kumbh Mela as millions of devotees visit the place at the same time. The Mela commenced on January 5th, 2019 and the festivities will end on March 4th, 2019. This year, around 15 crore devotees are expected to visit the first Ardh Kumbh Mela. The UP state government has welcomed the initiative by Tata Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Deputy Director of the Tata Memorial Centre said, “We have also tied-up with the Uttar Pradesh Government for this initiative and oncologists from TMH are hoping to set a record of scanning maximum devotees for oral cancer at the Kumbha Mela.”

Dr. B.K Mishra, Indian Medical Association, Prayagraj said, “With the help of UP government, they have already constructed 10 temporary hospitals for the Kumbh Mela to treat patients of all illness that they may suffer during the Mela.”

About Kumbh Mela

It is believed in Mythology that during the ongoing war between the demons and gods for the possession of the Amrut (elixir of immortality), a few drops fell to earth at four places i.e. Allahabad, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain.

It is at each of the four places that Kumbh Mela, the gathering of millions of people, devout and common witnesses from all over India and rest of the world, is held and is a sight like no other place. Based on astrological calculations the Kumbh Mela returns to each place after a gap of twelve years.

People believe that bathing in the Kumbh diminishes all their sins and get salvation.

This is indeed an appreciable initiative taken by Tata Memorial Hospital.

Along with Tata Memorial Hospital, IMA, IDA, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (Varanasi) and Kamla Nehru Hospital (Allahabad) have collaborated for this move.

These medical experts will also monitor the Tobacco control programme at the Kumbh Mela.

(Quoted statements are from a story published in The Free Press Journal)