Posted by : Admin|Date : 30 Nov, 2024|Location : Karamsad

Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. H.M. Patel: 19th Memorial Lecture

On the occasion of the 31st death anniversary of Dr. H.M. Patel, the Founder Chairman of Charutar Arogya Mandal, Karamsad, a floral tribute was offered at his Samadhi. The 19th Memorial Lecture, titled "How Much Care is Sufficient in Healthcare?", was delivered by Dr.  Ravi Kannan. R , Director of Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in  Silchar, Assam, at the Bhikhabhai Auditorium on November 30, 2024. The event was attended by Shri Atul Patel, Chairman of Charutar Arogya Mandal; Dr. Abhay Dharamsi, Provost; Dr. Jyoti Tiwari, Registrar; Dr. Himanshu Pandya, Dean of Pramukhswami Medical College; Shri Amit Patel, Secretary of Charutar Arogya Mandal; Dr. Jitesh Desai, Superintendent of Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad; members of the governing body; heads of various institutes; faculty members; and students.

Padma Shri awardee Dr.Kannan  a renowned surgical oncologist, is offering comprehensive cancer care at Kachar Hospital and Research Centre in Silchar, Assam, an NGO dedicated to healthcare. He emphasized that healthcare should reach even the most remote areas, stating that without addressing the needs of the "last man in the village," progress in healthcare lacks true value. Dr.  Kannan  highlighted their efforts to provide treatment at people's doorsteps through the establishment of satellite centers. He also noted the importance of considering the social, geographical, family, and economic challenges faced by patients. Many cancer patients often miss further treatment due to their daily livelihood. To address this, Dr.Kannan `s  team has implemented fast-track diagnosis and treatment services, along with the launch of additional satellite centers.

He added that health security is closely linked to livelihood and social factors, making community education essential. Many patients seeking treatment are malnourished, requiring care for nutritional deficiencies. A significant 80% of these patients are daily wage earners, working in tea gardens, farms, and as laborers. Affording treatment is a challenge for them. Despite facing numerous challenges, Cachar  Cancer Hospital and Research Centre offers free treatment to these patients, providing valuable support and making a significant impact.

Dr.Kannan  has been honored with several prestigious national and international accolades for his remarkable contributions to society. In January 2020, he was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in recognition of his outstanding service in the field of Medicine. Furthermore, in December 2019, he was presented with an award for his exceptional community service by the Sundaram Medical Foundation at Dr. Rangarajan Memorial Hospital in Chennai. Additionally, in 2023, Dr.Kannan  was honored with the esteemed Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Dr. Abhay Dharamsi highlighted that the H.M. Patel Memorial Lecture is an integral part of the Dr. H.M. Patel Program for Academic Excellence, honoring Dr. Patel's enduring legacy. Dr. Patel, the founder of Charutar Arogya Mandal, established the organization with the vision of providing advanced healthcare to the community in an equitable manner. He strongly believed that students at this institution should not only acquire knowledge but also cultivate compassion for their patients, offering care that is both professional and empathetic. The institute continues to embody these principles, staying true to the core values that Dr. Patel envisioned for Charutar Arogya Mandal.

Dr. Dharamsi emphasized that Dr. H.M. Patel's contributions remain highly relevant today. He called for a collective responsibility to ensure that Dr. Patel's spirit endures—not only in memory, but through continued actions, research, and efforts toward building a compassionate and impactful community.