Meet Dr. Aniruddha Phadke, General Surgeon

"But, watching the ill-treatment, sometimes even the violence that doctors are subjected to, after devoting their entire lives to helping and serving people brings me great despair. Only 1.2% of the country’s GDP is allocated to healthcare"

October, 2021

“During the pandemic, I’ve been involved in the treatment of 80-100 patients of COVID induced Mucormycosis, popularly known as the ‘black fungus’, and ensured their recovery post-surgery. The appreciation and grateful gestures that have followed the treatments deeply validate the ideology of Seva for me.

One of them was a 67-year old gentleman, with diabetes & hypertension. It took 4 intense months of treatment for us to completely treat him. Whilst awaiting discharge, I overheard him consoling a new patient admitted in the same ward, who was anxious about his upcoming treatment for the same illness.

'Aap chinta mat karo. Yaha ke doctors bahut acche hai. Bilkul theek hojaoge aap, mujhe dekhiye, mai theek ho kar Jaa raha hoon.'

Listening to these words filled my heart with joy that had no bounds.

Fond childhood memories from Jalgaon, Maharashtra and the 8 years I spent in Uganda as a young adult exposed me to grim realities of pain and poverty, very early on in life. Watching people struggle to keep food on their tables, a roof over their head & live in suffering due to lack of adequate healthcare facilities made me aware of the privilege I was blessed to be born into. Witnessing their troubles instilled in me the desire to serve, which for me is an act of ‘Seva’.

But, watching the ill-treatment, sometimes even the violence that doctors are subjected to, after devoting their entire lives to helping and serving people brings me great despair. Only 1.2% of the country’s GDP is allocated to healthcare, instead of an ideal 3-4%. The inadequate number of skilled medical personnel puts great stress on us doctors, who have to work long, hectic shifts, day in and day out to treat patients.

Sports and Music is my de-stress. I play Badminton and Cricket and love watching Formula 1 and Tennis. Hindustani music is one of my favorite class of music and I do my little bit of practice whenever I get time. Medicine is a line of work that brings with it great responsibility. Only a sincere desire to serve people can bring you the fulfilment that truly knows no bounds."