Patna doctor charges just Rs 10 for consultation, fee unchanged for decades
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TOI LIFESTYLE DESK
Dr. Ejaz Ali, a Patna-based surgeon, has maintained a nominal Rs 10 consultation fee for decades to ensure healthcare accessibility for the underprivileged. His commitment to affordable medicine, rooted in his own humble beginnings, has made him a beacon of service across Bihar.
The Ten-Rupee Healer: Dr. Ejaz Ali's Legacy of Affordable Care
In an era where medical inflation often renders quality healthcare inaccessible to the marginalized, Dr. Ejaz Ali of Patna stands as a remarkable exception. For decades, the general surgeon has maintained a consultation fee of just Rs 10, a figure that has remained unchanged despite the passage of time and the rising costs of medical practice. His clinic has become a sanctuary for those who cannot afford the exorbitant fees of private hospitals, drawing patients from every corner of Bihar who seek both his professional expertise and his compassionate approach to medicine.
Roots of Empathy: A Humble Beginning
Dr. Ali’s dedication to affordable healthcare is deeply rooted in his personal history. Born in 1958 into a lower-middle-class family as one of 10 siblings, he experienced the financial constraints that often dictate the quality of life for many in India. This background instilled in him a profound empathy for the struggles of the underprivileged. His journey from these modest beginnings to graduating from the prestigious Patna Medical College prepared him not just for a career in surgery, but for a lifetime of service that prioritizes patient welfare over financial gain.
A Multi-Faceted Career in Service
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Ali has served the public in various capacities, including a tenure as a member of the Rajya Sabha starting in March 2008. His life has been defined by a deep commitment to the medical profession, a legacy he has successfully passed on to his family. With a late wife who was also a doctor and three children who have followed in their parents' footsteps into the medical field, the Ali family represents a multi-generational commitment to healing and public service.
Impact on the Healthcare Landscape
Dr. Ali’s practice serves more than 100 patients daily, creating a significant impact on the regional healthcare ecosystem of Bihar. By keeping his fees intentionally low, he acknowledges the financial hardships of his patients, often tailoring treatment plans to fit their economic realities. This approach not only provides immediate relief to the sick but also highlights a critical need for more accessible primary care models that consider the socio-economic status of the patient population.
A Call for Compassionate Medicine
Dr. Ali’s enduring philosophy serves as a poignant reminder to the broader medical community. By maintaining his low fee structure, he challenges his peers to reflect on the balance between professional profit and humanitarian duty. His practice demonstrates that quality medical care can be delivered sustainably when practitioners prioritize the patient's well-being above all else, offering a model of care that could potentially influence future trends in community-based medicine.
Conclusion: A Lasting Influence
Dr. Ejaz Ali’s work is more than just a medical practice; it is a testament to the power of individual agency in addressing systemic healthcare gaps. As he continues to serve the people of Bihar, his story remains a powerful example of how dedication, empathy, and a commitment to affordability can transform the lives of thousands. His legacy serves as an inspiration for the next generation of doctors to view their profession as a tool for social upliftment.