Narayana Swamy
Daijiworld Media Network
Mangalore, Jun 19: These days doctors work under a lot of pressure, and are often at the receiving end simply because a few of their flock do not do their duties faithfully. They are time and again criticised for being too 'commercial' in their profession. On a daily basis we hear lots of stories about doctors and hospitals inviting public wrath.
When it comes to government doctors, complaints and negative attitude and remarks are all the more common. But like every profession, the medical field too has its share of black sheep, and its heroes.
Here is a doctor, who has Mangalore connection though he is not originally from Mangalore. He studied at St Aloyisus College for two years in pre-university. Dr Lokesh, who originally hails from Hassan district, studied at St Joseph School and high school, and after his PU in Mangalore, he was supported by Adichunchanagiri Swamiji in pursuing MBBS in Vellore medical college. Later, considering his marks, the Swamiji also helped him finish MD in medicine.
Born in a poor, farmer's family, Lokesh had dreamed of becoming a doctor and serve poor. Today most youngsters have a similar dream, but not for service sake but to make good money (nothing wrong in that, though!). But Lokesh stuck to his dream, and was determined to serve the poor.
After his MD, he initially served in Bangalore's famous hospitals like Mallya, Jayadeva, Nimhans, etc. After about 7-8 years of service in these hospitals, he was selected for government job. That was perhaps the right time for him to fulfil his dream. He selected Hassan's district hospital to render his service.
"I always remembered Adichunchanagiri Swamiji's advice and his blessing. He advised me to serve the poorest of the poor who cannot afford good medical assistance. As I had seen tough life in my childhood, I vowed to service the poor" says Dr Lokesh.
Almost all the patients who visited district government hospital were poor and treated for free. The first thing he did was to get to know his patients personally and talk to them with love and care. "Many a time, their sickness disappeared after I freely mixed with them," says Lokesh.
"There are several government schemes available for the poor, but not every hospital or doctor is availing it. I made sure I took advantage of such facilities to reach out to the poor patients," he says proudly.
Nowadays, one comes across several instances of allegations against government doctors for charging their patients, even though medicine and other facilities are provided freely by the government. Corruption in the medical field, especially in government hospitals, is not less than in other government offices!
Dr Lokesh's patients too reciprocate their doctor's selfless service, and have nothing but showers of praises for him. "If medicine is not available in hospital, he gets them from other medical shops by going to the extent of borrowing money from his friends, just for the sake of poor patients," they say.
The young doctor's heart-touching gesture was buying a Maruthi Omni ambulance with his own hard-earned money and letting it for use in the district hospital for the poor. "The work that should have been done by the government or a philanthropist, has been done by this young doctor with his own money," says a local resident.
"My parents' dream was also to see me serve the poor, so I started this free ambulance service in their name," Dr Lokesh says.
For the poor people of Hassan district, Dr Lokesh has been a real boon, a blessing. His style of service is truly a model for the young generation. Without doubt, he stands out among many famous doctors who earn name and fame, but do little for the poor. May Dr Lokesh's tribe increase, so that the poor too have a beautiful life.