11 babies born at special Kumbh hospital in mela's heart
What's the story
The Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, a sprawling spiritual congregation spread across 4,000 hectares, has welcomed millions in the last couple of months.
For 11 women and their families, their Kumbh experience became all the more memorable as they delivered babies at the Central Hospital established in the heart of the Kumbh area.
The first delivery happened on December 29 when Kaushambi's Sonam delivered a boy Kumbh.
Medical support
Central Hospital: A lifeline for Kumbh pilgrims
Among the 13 hospitals and 10 first-aid posts established to serve Kumbh pilgrims, the Central Hospital has been a vital resource.
It is manned by 105 members, including four gynecologists.
The hospital provides all-inclusive services such as OPD, ICU, general ward, operation theater, and diagnostic facilities.
It acts as a primary center for pregnant women looking for medical care during the event.
Successful births
Smooth deliveries at Central Hospital
While Sonam from Kaushambi was the first woman to give birth, the most recent delivery happened on February 6 when Barabanki's 30-year-old Kanchan welcomed a baby boy.
Dr Manoj Kaushik, chief medical superintendent, confirmed all 11 births so far have been smooth and normal.
Women from different districts including Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, and Jaunpur have given birth at this hospital.
Patient diversity
Kumbh hospital serves diverse socio-economic backgrounds
The Central Hospital has served women from different socio-economic backgrounds, from wives of temporary workers at the Kumbh site to business families.
These women come not just from different districts of Uttar Pradesh but also from other states like Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Since the official commencement of the Kumbh Mela on January 13, healthcare facilities at the site have treated over 64,000 patients, Dr. Kaushik said.