Dr Harish Kulkarni pioneers cancer treatment in Central India






By Vikas Vaidya


It was in 1974, when he completed his five years of professional training in Cancer treatment in United Kingdom. He got lucrative offers from USA, Tata Cancer Hospital, Ruby Clinic, Pune. The choice was difficult at that time especially with more lucrative offers. But he refused and decided to stay in Nagpur to serve the people here only. He realised that the facility to treat the cancer is absent in Nagpur and he became founder Director of Rashtra Sant Tukadoji Cancer Hospital.
Dr Harish Kulkarni who had to make early struggle to get admission to MBBS is celebrating his 80th birthday on Sunday, September 15. By the grace of God, he is healthy fit and fine and still practice. His father Dr Trimbak Waman Kulkarni was the first Radiologist of Central India. Dr Harish too felt that he should become doctor. But his luck was not in his favour. His number was 49 and there were 48 seats. Then he completed B.Sc and went to get admission to MBBS. By that time seats too were increased to 121. This time he stood at 21 and obviously got the admission. After that he did Post Graduation in Radiology.
“As a young professional I had a dream of doing something that would help society. No hospital was in existence that could treat cancer patients and everybody was expecting the same. I looked deep into the eyes of the relatives of the patients and focussed in RST Cancer hospital,” said Dr Kulkarni.
“Since 1974, Cancer Management has become almost synonymous in Vidarbha with my name with the varied experience gained by my working at Hammersmith Hospital, London; Sloane Catering Hospital at New York, Long Beach Hospital, Los Angeles; Regional Cancer Centre Rotterdam; Princess Margarate Hospital, Canada and other international hospitals in Melbourne, Sydney,” pointed Dr Kulkarni.
When Dr Kulkarni joined RST Cancer hospital, the number patients attending Outpatient Department (OPD) daily was 20 now that has reached to 180. There were no separate departments, there was only one machine. Now the scenario has changed.
“Now we don’t have to send the patients of cancer to Mumbai. We can treat them here and here only. I want to tell people that they should stop smoking. People know that they can suffer from cancer if they smoke. Still they don’t leave the habit. Secondly, people should check whether there are any abnormal signs they notice in the body. If so, they should go to doctor. This early action on their part can save them from further complications,” said Dr Kulkarni.
Dr Kulkarni has made it clear that now people should not fear of Cancer as the facilities are available in Nagpur. Earlier the panicky was due to non-availability of the facilities.
“I only treat, healing is done by almighty. Greatest satisfaction for me is today cancer fear has been reduced in the general public perception in Vidarbha region for which I have been able to touch the life of people at large in some small way,” said Dr Kulkarni.
Dr Kulkarni’s journey is not only fulfilling but also is a living example for the promising aspirants to live up their dreams for any specific cause they may choose to serve the society. Monetary considerations are always kept in the backyards to accomplish such humanitarian mission. He was getting meager Rs 3500/- on retirement with no consideration for any pension.


Dr Harish Kulkarni now working with Indian Cancer Society has many things to his credit. some of the achievements of Dr Harish Kulkarni

-Presented paper at World Cancer Congress, Geneva in 2008 and in Beijing in 2002
- Member of Cancer Control Board, Maharashtra
- received Gold medal for social services.
- Vidarbha Bhushan Award and Sadhana Cancer award for social service
- President of Association of Radiation Oncologists of India
- Vice-President of Indian College of Radiology and Imaging Association
- Vice-President of International Working party for Management of Cancer Cervix committee   
    in developing countries WHO, Geneva

Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 3, 2014 at 6:54 AM

    In addition to these, you have to pay attention to the facilities of the Top Private Hospitals in Mumbai before choosing the private hospital in Mumbai. They are really willing to help get the knowledge which can help optimize your health.

    ReplyDelete

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