Leading up to Amritavarsham 72, Amrita Hospital, Kochi held a free paediatric Cardiology Mega Camp on September 14. 2025. Held in honour of Amma’s 72nd birthday, the event also marked the 25th anniversary of the hospital’s Department of Paediatric Cardiology.
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. The primary aim of the camp is to ensure that children from financially disadvantaged families have access to world-class cardiac care.
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.
In her video message, Amma 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 40 when they should have lived to 80.”
Justice Devan Ramachandran, Kerala High Court, delivered the inaugural address. He reminded doctors and nurses of their great responsibility, echoing Amma’s words that “life itself is compassion”.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
As well, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Amrita Hospital and Odisha Health University. The university’s Vice Chancellor, Dr. Manash Ranjan Sahoo, said the MoU would pave the way for research, training, and expansion of treatment in paediatric cardiology.
“I feel privileged to visit Amrita Hospital. More than a hospital, it feels like a temple. While healthcare is commercialised worldwide, Amrita Hospital is taking a different path. I congratulate all those who are leading this noble mission,” he shared.
The event, blessed with an address by Swami Purnamritananda Puri, was also attended by 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.
