‘People’s Doctor’ Given Tearful Adieu In Odisha’s Kalahandi

Bhawanipatna: The residents of Thuamul-Rampur in Kalahandi district gave a tearful farewell to Dr Abinash Rath of the community health centre (CHC) in the area following his transfer to Pipili in Puri.

The people garlanded Rath and took him on a procession. The intensity of love for the “people’s doctor” could be gauged by videos showing several villagers, including women, hugging him while crying inconsolably.

Kiran Kumar, a youth of Thuamul-Rampur, said apart from being a good doctor, Rath was a very kind-hearted person. “The doctors, who were earlier posted at the CHC, used to take more than two days for conducting a post-mortem. But after he joined, Rath used to go the spot and conduct post-mortem which saved the money of the tribal people. He was very punctual and never wasted time in treating patients,” he said.

Rath, who originally hails from Bhubaneswar, said he never repented his five-year tenure at the Thuamul-Rampur CHC. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working here. I am leaving with tonnes of memories. Though I am happy that my posting is near my home, I will never forget the people of Thuamul Rampur,” he added.

Rath, who joined the CHC in 2015, said the tribals of Thuamul Rampur were unaware about health services. “I have done my best to change their misconception about modern medicines. I am happy that their attitude has changed. I am leaving the place with a heavy heart,” he pointed out.

He also said that the state government should help the doctors in the healthcare service. “We usually work overtime as there is an acute shortage of doctors in the state. Under such circumstances, the people and the Health Department should co-operate with us for better service delivery,” he noted.