The practice of meditation can bring unexpected benefits. Being able to see things from a different perspective can be invaluable and a recent travel experience provided this unexpected gift.
During a recent visit to India, December 2025, I received an insider’s view into a hospital operating in a remote area of Rajasthan. This was far from my first visit there, however being able to stay nearby in hospital quarters, which enabled me to witness first-hand how this healthcare service delivered compassionate inpatient as well as outpatient care, including the delivery of extended outreach services into the tribal communities living in nearby harsh conditions, was enlightening.
Observing and being included in the daily activities of staff members as well as getting to know them was an added bonus. Each morning, I was able to catch a shuttle service for an early group meditation at a nearby location, which many of the hospital staff also attended. In the evening, a further opportunity to spend an hour meditating was available. This was completely voluntary and yet many of the hospital staff regularly incorporated this practice naturally into their daily routine. Seeing healthcare workers commit to this meditation routine willingly and cheerfully, in addition to their daily employment was humbling.
Global Hospital and Research Centre (GHRC) is situated in the hilltop village of Mt Abu at an altitude of 1200m, in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan. Mt Abu was an ideal location in earlier times, for the summer palaces of the Maharajas of India. Its altitude provided respite from summer heat in natural forested areas. Various hotels still retain the names and old world splendour of that period. In present times it is a popular location for tourists from all over India, as well as overseas due to its relative abundance of forested areas, and also wildlife.
The Sirohi district surrounding Mt Abu at a lower altitude experiences a much harsher climate, The area is inhabited by many tribal people who maintain traditional customs with pride. Because of the remoteness, delivery of government healthcare services is limited. GHRC first opened in October 1991 and has since provided not only inpatient care and outpatient specialist clinics, but also services to tribal villagers via its expanding Community Service Program (CSP). The CSP program involves training up field workers to notify villagers of the dates for upcoming medical mobile van visits, as well as dates of specialist medical camps. Field workers also arrange and coordinate the collection of patients and meeting points for transport.
There is a particular emphasis on primary care, and preventable diseases for all ages. Common conditions such as skin and eye conditions, infections such as gastroenteritis and viral respiratory conditions, are treated but also more serious conditions, such as TB and malaria are frequently encountered. Detecting the more serious conditions involves key workers liaising with field workers, coordinating transport for follow-up tests at GHRC, including appointments at the specialist clinics there, and when completed, returning people back to their villages.
At a specialist medical camp, I attended with a fellow Australian who had previously worked at GHRC, 283 people presented, and of those, 52 patients received their cataract surgery within 24 hours. Many others were also coordinated to receive follow-up testing under the specialist clinics of gynaecology, general surgery, as well as orthopaedic surgery. It was a privilege to witness the sheer coordination of many moving parts and to meet the committed key workers who ensured every attending individual received appropriate attention. There was a sense of respect and equality from all involved irrespective of level of qualifications, background or role.
A palpable invisible thread appeared to hold together the many moving parts involved in the delivery of these healthcare services. At the core of this service, were staff who were committed to a regular practice of meditation over a long period of time.
The lasting impression is that meditation is not just a personal practice for individuals at GHRC; it is a guiding principle that influences the hospital’s culture, teamwork, and ability to deliver compassionate, effective healthcare in a challenging environment.
Barbara Hannon
