Silchar Medical College gets its long awaited Cardiologist

August 15: Death is always painful. However, there are certain deaths which leaves a deep scar in the hearts and minds of all around and subsequently bequeaths an undying imagery to posterity. Such a death was that of a 25-year youth Sayantan Chakraborty, who on 8 October, 2019, breathed his last on the day of Bijoya Dashami. Sayantan Chakraborty complained of severe chest pain. He was then rushed to SMCH, where the doctors prescribed immediate angioplasty. However, as this facility was unavailable at SMCH, he was referred to Shillong NEIGRIHMS. But unfortunately, Sayantan breathed his last on his way to Shillong.

It is after this incident that the friends of Sayantan Chakraborty upholded the miserable plight of health facilities at SMCH and formed the organisation “Thousand Sayantans”. Their main demand is to upgrade the SMCH so that more Syantans need not die without treatment. They raised a vigorous demand of a proper Cardiology department at Silchar Medical College & Hospital (SMCH), wherein they demanded for appointment of cardiologists. Finally, Padma Shri Dr. Ravi Kannan helped them to come in contact with an eminent cardiologist from Chennai.

Ultimately, overcoming much hurdles, “Thousand Sayantans” was successful in collaborating with Dr. Rakesh P. Gopal, eminent cardiologist from Appollo Group of Hospitals, Chennai through Dr. Kannan. Being convinced, Dr. Gopal visited SMCH and had a preliminary round of talks with the Principal. Finally, the proposal was sent to the state government for approval. On Friday, the official approval of appointment of Dr. Rakesh P. Gopal and his team which was pending since long with the state government was finally released.

The appointment of Dr. Rakesh P. Gopal was confirmed by our correspondent with Anup Kumar Barman, Director, Medical Association, Assam. He said that the state government has already released the appointment letter and the Principal of SMCH has also been informed about this matter.

Expressing his reaction to way2barak, Saumitra Shankar Choudhury, a member of ‘Thousand Sayantans’ and an eminent dancer of this valley said, “We convey our sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Heath Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma, officials of Health and Family Welfare Department, political leaders from the ruling as well as opposition party, and to each and every individual and organization who has supported us in our struggle. We would also like to wholeheartedly thank Padmashree Dr. Ravi Kannan, Principal of SMCH Dr. Babul Bezbaruah for their continuous support right from Day one. It is indeed a big day for Thousand Sayantans, a journey which started from 8th October, 2019. We whole-heartedly thank Friends Group NGO from Silchar for supporting our cause and submitting memorandum to various dignitaries. We feel very pleased when youth of the town come forward and show concern regarding the present depleted structure of health facility in Silchar.”

As per sources, once Dr. Rakesh P. Gopal accepts the assignment, then the details of his terms and condition of service will be known.