Malkangiri: There is an old adage that doctors are second to God on earth. Dr. Champeshwar Panigrahi, an MBBS doctor has proved himself as a real second God for the most primitive bonda tribes in the remote, inaccessible Bonda ghati area of Malkangiri district.
To ensure better health care for the primitive tribals of this interior area, the young doctor has gone the extra mile with a commitment to serve innocent people.
At a time, when Bonda tribes were completely dependent on quacks and sorcerers for any health issues, Doctor Panigrahi came as saviour for them and pulled them out of the superstition by providing modern health care service.
He was appointed as a medical officer at Mudulipada health & wellness centre from where the young doctor began his mission.
Panigrahi started making people aware of modern health science by holding multiple camps at village level. He persuaded them to visit the health centre for any health-related issues instead of consulting quacks. In addition to this, he also gave a massive makeover to the health centre with the plantation of flowers and fruit plants on its premises.
He transformed the hospital in such a way that it looked no less than a private one.
Dr. Champeshwar remains available for patients round the clock and advises the nurses and other staff regarding their duty and responsibility thereby instilling a sense of compassion in them.
Local tribals who used to visit district headquarters for treatment now expressed happiness over the service and humane touch of Dr Champeshwar.
“We are happy on the doctor and his way of treatment. We got rid of visiting long distances to consult a doctor. Our lives now changed a lot,” a local said.
When asked about his transformative work, Dr Champeswar said “I am just discharging my duty properly what every doctor should do. I am not doing something extra. During my study, my main focus was to serve the needy. Now, I got an ample opportunity to serve which I always wished to,” he said.
“It’s common perception that Bonda tribals are very stubborn and obstinate. But, we have to understand them before making them understand. I categorized them into three sections i.e children, adults and senior citizens. There is no problem in making aware the children in schools and adults at playgrounds during sports, but it is bit difficult to wash the brain of elderly people,” he said.
The hidden hand behind his noble mission is his highly qualified wife, Anuja Mishra who is assisting Champeshwar in all ways. Anuja, with the inspiration from her husband, now became a member of the suburbs. Along with her husband, she also holds camp at the village, interacts with women and educates them to come to the health center.
Dr Champeswar said “It might be a very difficult task for me to survive in such a remote area without her. She has also inspired me a lot.”
