Journalism of Courage
Starting with modest beginnings,Dr Manohar Dole has finally realised his dream of opening an eye hospital to help the people of Narayangaon see the world a bit more clearly
He could have done what most others do set up a flourishing private practise and concentrate on amassing wealth. But Dr Manohar Dole was made of different stuff. I just discovered my own path. All I wanted to do after graduating from medical college was to start serving those people for whom even getting the basic medical facilities was an uphill task. And I decided to work for the people of Narayangaon,after seeing the poor qualities of the health services that were provided to them, says Dr Dole.
This only strengthened my resolve to work for them. Dole adds,I follow the ideals of Dhondo Keshav Karve. The plight of the elderly moved me so much that I began a makeshift eye clinic with the help of some renowned doctors from the city like Dr Sudhir Kale and carried out cataract surgeries on villagers for free. I wanted to instill in them a sense of pride,which they would get after working for themselves and the society.
The task of building the hospital was as good as scaling a vertical incline with no support. From battling water and electricity shortages,to resisting opposition from various political groups,we braved it all. Eventually money started to pour in and brick by brick the hospital saw the light of the day, he says.
Named Mohan Thuse Netra Rugnalay after his friend Mohan Thuse who helped him out in his initial days,the hospital boasts of some impressive features.
Presently,in addition to essential eye care facilities,the hospital also has a mobile van,which we use to carry out free check-ups in the tribal areas near Narayangaon. We conduct around 15 to 17 medical camps annually.
If a patient is diagnosed with cataract then he or she is brought back to the hospital and treated for free. We have treated about 50,000 people in rural areas for cataract till now, he says.
As far as my work is concerned,we plan to take up a project on stem cell research. Even though at 81 years I am slowing down a bit but the people involved in my projects and my own determination perk me right up to continue my work with steely determination. A probable reason as to why I have been working even now is the fact that me own surname Dole in Marathi means Eyes. That probably could explain the fact as to why I have an affinity towards serving people and their eyes, he smiles.
