By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

 Ahilyanagar, October 25, 2026: As part of the preparations for the golden jubilee of the Annual Mat Mauli Yatra, St Anne’s Parish, Ahilyanagar, organised a free health check-up camp and blood donation drive on Sunday, October 25. The initiative, undertaken at the decision of the Yatra Committee, aimed at serving the parish community holistically, with particular attention to the health needs of the poor and underprivileged.

 Immediately after the Parish Mass, the programme was inaugurated by the parish priest, Fr McEnroe, who expressed his gratitude to the nearly 80 doctors, specialists, nurses and healthcare professionals who volunteered their services. The medical team included MD physicians, Gynaecologists, Orthopaedic specialists, Ophthalmologists and staff nurses.

 Haral Super Speciality Hospital, represented by its proprietors, Dr Gaurav Haral and Dr Swati Haral, extended significant support to the initiative. Anandvrushi Eye Hospital provided a mobile ophthalmology team equipped with prescription lenses and eye examination equipment. The dental team from Yashwantrao Chavan–Gadakh Hospital of Dentistry brought a state-of-the-art mobile dental unit. The team conducted dental examinations professionally and advised patients on dental caries and other oral health concerns. The camp offered specialised facilities for eye care, general medical examinations and women’s healthcare. In addition, Arpan Blood Bank facilitated the blood donation drive, which resulted in the collection of 38 units of blood.

 More than 800 parishioners and people from the surrounding locality benefited from the health camp. Breakfast and lunch were provided to those attending. The careful planning and coordination of the organisers ensured the smooth movement of patients and an orderly distribution of services throughout the day. Several doctors appreciated the arrangements and the efficient management of the large gathering. The programme concluded without any untoward incident, with people continuing to avail themselves of medical consultations well into the afternoon.

 This initiative sought to foster a deeper sense of solidarity within the parish community. For those with limited access to healthcare, the camp offered a valuable opportunity to assess their health and receive professional medical advice free of charge. Enunciating the gospel of the day, of loving one’s neighbour, this event was a reminder that caring for one’s neighbour is an integral part of Christian life, an expression through a shared concern for another’s well-being. The camp highlighted the importance of recognising that no one journeys alone and that the health and dignity of every person are matters of collective responsibility.

 As St Anne’s Parish prepares to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Annual Mat Mauli Yatra, the health camp stood as a concrete expression of its commitment to holistic pastoral care. It reminded the faithful that good health is a gift from God, one that must be cherished and responsibly cared for and that Christian service finds its fullest expression in reaching out to those most in need.