This is the story of 41-year-old Bheshaj Ramteke, a government doctor who is the sole medical link for nearly 200 villages in the state’s Kanker district, braving dense forests and left-wing extremists on foot, bicycle and motorcycle.
Most other “outsiders” don’t dare venture into these villages deep inside Maoist territory but Ramteke has no intention of moving out. He has been transferred thrice -- 2006, 2010 and 2016 – but community leaders met state ministers to block his transfer. “Bheshaj in Sanskrit means medicine. I believe I was born to become a doctor and serve the tribals of this region,” says Ramteke.
Last year, he was awarded the Icon of Health award by chief minister Raman Singh but he claims he never worked for awards. “I am a follower of Ambedkar….He taught me to serve the people who are marginalized and poor.”
Must compliment Ritesh Mishra, the HT correspondent, who has posted this story. We read enough of negative stories in the newspapers every day. It is such positive stories which are needed more. This would also act as a motivation for others.
Read more of this in Hindustan Times...
