Medical camps 2023

Weekly medical camps

In 2023, Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra (VMRK) extended the outreach of weekly medical camps in slums and villages with the support of local administration. Medical camps were held in the states of Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, in tribal areas in Maharashtra state, and the union territory of Chandigarh. Our team traveled to these areas so that people could avail basic medical services where these services are still few and far between. Sometimes, these areas were not easily accessible and VMRK’s volunteers had to carry medical equipment and medicines on their shoulders, trekking through challenging terrain, so that aid could reach those in need.

These medical camps were organized weekly either at VMRK centers or at different locations, some up to a 30 kilometers radius of the VMRK center. The camps ran from mid morning till mid afternoon. Patients at the medical camps were informed about the upcoming camps in the nearby area for further follow-ups.

VMRK’s team of doctors, pharmacists and volunteers provided medical consultation, first aid, and medicines free of cost. These medical camps helped to diagnose patients with blood pressure, thyroid, diabetes in addition to vitamin deficiency, low hemoglobin and joint pains. The patients with severe health conditions were referred to the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment.

Around 1,400 medical camps were organized throughout the year and thousands of patients received free medical services.

On September 10, 2023, Vishav Manav Ruahani Kendra (VMRK), Nawan Nagar, Haryana held a free medical camp in our village Vanjole through its center in Bhusawal. We have a population of underprivileged people from tribal areas. No organization ever visited us, nor has any camp like this been set up before. People benefited from medical consultation and medications provided by experienced doctors. This was made possible by VMRK’s free medical camp. 206 underprivileged patients availed this medical service. We express our gratitude to VMRK and its volunteers for this selfless service.

Thank you.

Mrs Mangala Gopal Patil, Sarpanch, Group Gram Panchayat, Vanjole, Jalgaon, Maharashtra

On October 1, 2023, Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra (VMRK), Nawan Nagar, Panchkula, Haryana held a free medical camp in our village Majhog Sultani. This medical camp proved to be very beneficial to the villagers. More than 100 patients were examined in this camp and the prescribed medicines were given free of cost. The gram panchayat is very grateful for this noble work of the organization. We wish for more medical camps in the future too.

President, Gram Panchayat, Majhog Sultani, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh

Medical camps at special events

In addition to weekly medical camps, round-the-clock medical camps were organized during special events like Navratri, Guru Purnima, and Spiritual Discourses. The following blog posts provide details about these medical camps:

Kanwar medical camps 2023

As in past years, VMRK held kanwar camps to serve the pilgrims with medical services, food, and resting facilities. From July 7, 2023 – August 23, 2023, VMRK organized 52 kanwar camps on different weeks in a total of seven North, Central and East Indian states and one union territory of India. Kanwarias who came to the VMRK kanwar camps appreciated the safe and clean resting places, free medical care, free food, and other supplementary services. Healthcare professionals at each camp offered medical care including treatment for blisters, cuts and wounds. More than 44,500 kanwarias received medical care.

Read more in our blog post: Kanwar Yatra 2023: serving amid nature’s fury

Medical camps at Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2023

Initially VMRK received approval to send three ambulances and provide a professional medical team for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2023. A few days before the pilgrimage commenced, the Camp Director at Baltal requested VMRK to provide a 4×4 emergency ambulance to be stationed at Brarimarg.

Soon after the pilgrimage started, the local authorities were pleased with VMRK’s range of services and granted VMRK permission to set up a free medical camp at Brarimarg in Baltal. On July 13, 2023, VMRK sent a team of 8 volunteers and 2 fitters from Nawan Nagar to Baltal to set up the medical camp. VMRK also assembled a professional medical team of doctors, paramedics, and nursing staff alongside a team of volunteers to assist and support the medical team.

VMRK operated the medical camp daily from July 17, 2023 and by August 15, 2023 more than 10,200 pilgrims had received medical care. Read more in our blog posts: Serving pilgrims at Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2023 and More services for pilgrims at Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2023.

Medical camps at 2023 Shravan Ashtami Fair at Shri Naina Devi Ji Temple

VMRK ran two medicals camp and provided an ambulance for the devotees visiting the Shri Naina Devi Ji Temple during the Shravan Ashtami Mela from August 17 – 27, 2023. The first camp was set up at Naina Devi bus stand and commenced on August 17, 2023. VMRK’s ambulance with a driver and an ICU ambulatory technician was also stationed at this medical camp. The second medical camp was organized at Ghanauli village, in Rupnagar district, Punjab on August 21, 2023.

VMRK’s medical team of 4 doctors, 6 nurses, 4 pharmacists, and 20 additional volunteers served at these medical camps. Together they provided free medical consultations and medicines to more than 4,400 patients suffering from dehydration, foot blisters, loose motions, vomiting, and body pain.

Read more in our blog post: 2023 Shravan Ashtami Fair at Shri Naina Devi Ji Temple

Medical camp at Shri Manimahesh Yatra 2023

VMRK organized a medical camp and provided ambulance services for the pilgrims during the Shri Manimahesh Yatra 2023 from September 7–23, 2023. The medical camp operated around the clock throughout the yatra. VMRK’s team of 3 doctors, 3 pharmacists, and 21 volunteers provided services to more than 7,600 patients who received medical consultation, first aid, and medicines free of cost. Many patients with severe oxygen deficiency were brought to the camp. Other patients had cold, fever, cough, and body pain while some sustained injuries from slipping on the rocky path. Due to the extreme weather changes from the heat on the plains to the cold mountains, many patients suffered dehydration, vomiting, and body weakness. During the yatra, the ambulance provided emergency services to 24 patients and transported them to the nearest hospital in Bharmour or Chamba.

Read more in our blog post: Medical services at Shri Manimahesh Yatra 2023