Doctor dedicates $3,000 award money to deceased colleague

If one needs an example of selflessness, then this is it. 

Dr Ravikant Singh, 28, who has been selected for the South Asian Association for Regional Corporation (Saarc) youth award 2009 for his relief work during the Bihar floods in 2008, has dedicated the award to his colleague Dr Chandrakant Patil. Patil died after lightning struck him while serving in a relief camp. The award money will be utilised to start a new national-level award in Patil’s name.

Singh from KEM Hospital had led a team of 110 doctors for relief work in Bihar. “The day Patil died, we all returned to Mumbai. While some of us were shocked, a few were scared to continue working there,” said Singh, who has specialised in preventive social medicine. Patil died on September 31, 2008. “Patil was a driving force for all of us. This award is meant only for him.”

Ten days after Patil’s death, Singh again formed a team of doctors under the name of ‘Doctor for you’ and left for Bihar to serve the flood victims. “We treated more than 1.3 lakh patients,” said Singh.

The doctors also started a health care centre in Saharsa district in Bihar in tie up with Mercy Malaysia, a volunteer relief organisation that provides medical service. Since March 2009, the centre has treated more than 30,000 needy patients.

Singh will get $3,000 as award money. “We are planning to use the money to start a national-level award for recognising the relief work done by doctors in areas affected by natural calamities. The award would be named after Patil,” he said. 

Singh is also in the process of forming a team for relief work in South East Asia which is more prone to natural disasters. “We want to form a special team of dedicated doctors who can work with full energy in such areas,” he said.