As part of Amritavarsham 72 – the 72nd birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi – and also marking the 25th anniversary of the Department of Paediatric Cardiology at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, the hospital organized “Mathrusparsham” – a Free Paediatric Cardiology Mega Camp.
The camp was inaugurated by Justice Devan Ramachandran of the Kerala High Court. The event, blessed with an address by Swami Poornamritananda Puri, General Secretary of Mata Amritanandamayi Math, was attended by Dr. Manash Ranjan Sahoo, Vice Chancellor, Odisha Health University; Mrs. Bindu Krishna, Assistant General Manager, Cochin Shipyard Ltd.; Dr. R. Krishna Kumar, Head of Paediatric Cardiology, Amrita Hospital; Dr. Brijesh P.K., Clinical Professor of Paediatric Cardiology; and Dr. Prathapan Nair, Senior Medical Administrator.
In her special video message, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi said, “Compassion and empathy must be part of the work of doctors and nurses. The greatest loss is to waste the opportunity to serve. This hospital was founded when I saw people dying at forty when they should have lived to eighty.
” Delivering the inaugural address, Justice Devan Ramachandran remarked: “Families come here with sorrow, hoping for relief. What I see here today is a shining model of humanity—living for others. Medical science has advanced to the point that no illness is unconquerable, but society lacks compassion. That is where this camp stands apart. Every person here is giving Amrita the opportunity to serve. If we show compassion to one another, we can overcome all challenges. He also reminded doctors and nurses of their great responsibility, echoing Amma’s words that “life itself is compassion.”
The event also presented the achievements of 25 years of Paediatric Cardiology at Amrita Hospital. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Amrita Hospital and Odisha Health University. Vice Chancellor Dr. Manash Ranjan Sahoo said the MoU would pave the way for research, training, and expansion of treatment in paediatric cardiology. He added, “I feel privileged to visit Amrita Hospital. More than a hospital, it feels like a temple. While healthcare is commercialized worldwide, Amrita Hospital is taking a different path. I congratulate all those who are leading this noble mission.” The camp witnessed the participation of over 500 children and their families, not only from Kerala but also from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Jammu. Free early-stage screenings and medical guidance were provided for children under the age of 18 with heart conditions. Selected children will undergo free heart surgeries. The primary aim of the camp is to ensure that children from financially disadvantaged families have access to world-class cardiac care.
