When the state is facing an exodus of medical professionals for better opportunities to other parts of the world, a veteran doctor defying convention traded comfort for selfless service, touching lives of the poor and marginalised families.
Dr Dilip Kumar, a retired Army Colonel, senior citizen and senior Paediatrician left his private hospital in Hyderabad and volunteered to serve in one of the most isolated Primary Health Centre in Meghalaya at Saipung in East Jaiñtia Hills district, as Medical Officer.
Dr Kumar, in his distinguished career as an army colonel and paediatrician, served in Sudan and other parts of Africa as a member of the United Nations Peace keeping force.
“Dr Dilip Kumar, made the difficult decision to leave behind the conveniences of his life and move to the remote region of our State, at Saipung, to work tirelessly for the wellbeing of the people of the region,” the Meghalaya Health department stated in a social media post.
According to the post Dr. Kumar has been a great source of hope for all the people and community under Saipung C& RD Block ever since he joined Saipung PHC about a month ago.
The Saipung PHC is being run by the Karuna Trust in a PPP mode. Initially Karuna Trust started with three PHCs and one CHC in 2009, at present Karuna Trust is managing 11 PHCs in over four districts.
These PHCs are – Aradonga, Maweit, Myriaw and Kynrud in West Khasi Hills district, Jirang, Umtrai, Warmawsaw in Ri-Bhoi district, Mawlong, Mawsahew in East Khasi Hills district, Umkiang and Saipung in East Jaiñtia Hills district.
