Although most often doctors are blamed for negligence and carelessness and referring patients to private hospitals for vested interests, here is a young Government doctor who renders service to the patients beyond his duty hours.
Meet Dr Suraj Jena (29), a plain MBBS and only son of a retired bank manager, Brajakishore Jena and Suprava of Santragadia under Oupada block.
Currently, as first posting after passing out from Burla, he is posted at Raj Berhampur CHC since January 2019 . After duty hours, Jena goes around villages in the holidays and off -hours where he not only conducts checkups, but distributes free medicines and also advises patients to get admitted at the nearest Government hospitals and centres etc.
He visits from village to village in his bike with a bag containing medicines, stethoscope and sphygmomanometer (BP measuring machine) along with his father with prior information to the village heads.
He said that while he had interest in serving people, he was encouraged by his parents.
“Here the population is mostly tribal and wage earners. Either they work in agriculture fields or in stone crushers or in related activities. They care for their health in the least. Even , sadly ,they don’t know they are already inflicted with several diseases. Most of them lack knowledge in health education. Further, due to paucity of money, they don’t visit a doctor either,” said Jena .
“Even they neglect common ailments which aggravates to a big problem. I came across a TB patient yet he doesn’t know he is affected with. Similarly, women neglect their health even though they suffer,” said Jena, adding, “I do only symptomatic general treatment and give them medicines whichever I have."
Suraj said further, "I have a plan for holding a camp in a big way somewhere in the month February along with my batch mates here. Since, all are busy with their duties and preparing for PG entrance, we contemplate to hold it after our exams."