Kolkata : With Kolkata gearing up for Durga Puja celebrations, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata has strengthened its healthcare preparedness to ensure uninterrupted medical assistance for residents and visitors throughout the festive period. All five units of the hospital network — EM Bypass, Mukundapur, Dhakuria, Saltlake and Broadway — are on high alert, with 24×7 emergency services, teleconsultation facilities and doctors available for round-the-clock medical support.
As large crowds gather across the city to celebrate Bengal’s biggest festival, the hospital network is focusing on ensuring timely access to emergency medical care. The Manipal Ambulance Response Service (MARS) will be strategically deployed at key locations across Kolkata, including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, to facilitate prompt emergency assistance for residents and visitors.
The hospital will also operate a 24×7 teleconsultation facility, enabling patients and their family members to consult doctors over the phone at any time during Durga Puja. Doctors across various specialties will be available for both teleconsultations and in-person consultations, ensuring access to medical guidance and treatment throughout the festivities.
Special Initiative to Support Senior Citizens
Recognising the increased vulnerability of senior citizens during the busy festive season, Manipal Hospitals has undertaken a special initiative to improve emergency preparedness among Durga Puja associations across Kolkata.
As part of the initiative, the hospital conducted an interactive presentation for Puja organisers, focusing on the immediate handling of medical emergencies. The session covered practical guidance on identifying early warning signs, administering basic first aid and accessing emergency medical services without delay.
The initiative aims to equip elderly people and their caregivers with essential knowledge to respond effectively to medical emergencies during the celebrations.
Hospital Leadership Emphasises Round-the-Clock Care
Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Director (East), Manipal Hospitals, said the hospital’s priority during the festive period was to ensure that healthcare remained accessible and responsive as Kolkata welcomed millions of people for Durga Puja.
He highlighted that the hospital’s 24×7 emergency services, teleconsultation facilities and clinical preparedness were designed to support the city throughout the celebrations, with medical teams remaining vigilant to respond to emergencies.
Dr Ashok Mishra, Consultant and Head of Emergency, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria, said timely medical attention could make a critical difference when emergencies occurred amid the festive crowds.
He noted that the emergency team was prepared to handle a range of situations, including sudden health complications, injuries and accidents. The hospital’s round-the-clock emergency services and teleconsultation facility aim to ensure that patients receive prompt medical guidance and appropriate care whenever required.
Dr Kishen Goel, Consultant and HOD – Emergency and Critical Care, Manipal Hospitals, Broadway and Saltlake Cluster, emphasised that health and safety must remain a priority alongside the celebrations.
He said the hospital’s emergency network, 24-hour teleconsultation service and dedicated medical teams were prepared to assist families during the festival, whether they needed guidance for a late-night medical concern or emergency assistance following a roadside incident.
With emergency services, ambulance support, teleconsultations and senior-citizen-focused awareness initiatives in place, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata aims to ensure that residents and visitors can celebrate Durga Puja with greater peace of mind, knowing that medical assistance remains accessible throughout the festive period.
