Why Did President Murmu Praise a Centenarian Doctor Who Donated Rs 3.4 Crore to AIIMS Bhubaneswar?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dr. K. Lakshmi Bai donated her life savings for women's health research.
- Her contribution is a significant step towards women's empowerment.
- President Murmu acknowledged the importance of citizen involvement in healthcare.
- Dr. Bai is the first woman doctor in Odisha to learn laparoscopic surgery.
- Such philanthropy highlights the impact of individual contributions on society.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 5 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu expressed her admiration on Friday for Dr. K. Lakshmi Bai, a remarkable 100-year-old woman physician from Berhampur, Odisha. To commemorate her centenary, she generously contributed her entire life savings to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, aimed at advancing research in the area of gynecological malignancies.
In her statement, the President remarked, “This gesture is immensely significant for women’s empowerment, and I sincerely commend your selfless action. The government is dedicated to ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all, and I am hopeful that the altruism of citizens like you will motivate others to support our initiatives.”
“I acknowledge your longstanding commitment to the empowerment of girls and women throughout your impressive four-decade career. Your life serves as a glowing testament to the transformative power of education, demonstrating how an individual can incite positive societal change,” she further noted.
Dr. K. Lakshmi Bai, recognized as the oldest actively practicing female doctor in Brahmapur, has garnered significant attention in Odisha following her substantial donation to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
On her 100th birthday, she allocated Rs 3.4 crore to aid the treatment and research for female cancer patients.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar officially announced this remarkable contribution in a statement on Friday, highlighting, “AIIMS Bhubaneswar has received an extraordinary demonstration of trust and generosity as the esteemed Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Prof. K. Lakshmi Bai, on her centenary, donated Rs 3.4 crore of her hard-earned savings to the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.”
Dr. Lakshmi Bai was among the first students of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, where she enrolled in 1945. She completed her MBBS in 1950 and began her career as a government physician in Sundargarh.
Later, she served as a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Burla Medical College, Cuttack Medical College, and Brahmapur Medical College, from which she ultimately retired.
Reportedly, she was the first female doctor in Odisha to master laparoscopic surgery. Additionally, she pursued advanced studies in women’s health in the USA.
“Prof. K. Lakshmi Bai’s remarkable contribution not only signifies a blessing but also a strong acknowledgment of AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s ongoing commitment to high-quality patient care, medical education, and progressive research,” stated Dr. Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar.