top of page

By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Healing Beyond the Clinic

Dr Kirti Samudra “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” This thought by Mother Teresa finds reflection in the life of Panvel-based diabetologist Dr Kirti Samudra, who has spent decades caring not only for her family but also thousands of patients who see her as their guide. As we mark International Women’s Day, stories like hers remind us that women of substance often shape society quietly through compassion, resilience and dedication. Doctor, mother, homemaker,...

Healing Beyond the Clinic

Dr Kirti Samudra “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” This thought by Mother Teresa finds reflection in the life of Panvel-based diabetologist Dr Kirti Samudra, who has spent decades caring not only for her family but also thousands of patients who see her as their guide. As we mark International Women’s Day, stories like hers remind us that women of substance often shape society quietly through compassion, resilience and dedication. Doctor, mother, homemaker, mentor and philanthropist — Dr Samudra has balanced many roles with commitment. While she manages a busy medical practice, her deeper calling has always been service. For her, medicine is not merely a profession but a responsibility towards the people who depend on her guidance. Nagpur to Panvel Born and raised in Nagpur, Dr Samudra completed her medical education there before moving to Mumbai in search of better opportunities. The early years were challenging. With determination, she and her husband Girish Samudra, an entrepreneur involved in underwater pipeline projects, chose to build their life in Panvel. At a time when the town was still developing and healthcare awareness was limited, she decided to make it both her workplace and home. What began with modest resources gradually grew into a trusted medical practice built on long-standing relationships with patients. Fighting Diabetes Recognising the growing threat of diabetes, Dr Samudra dedicated her career to treating and educating patients about the disease. Over the years, she has registered nearly 30,000 patients from Panvel and nearby areas. Yet she believes treatment alone is not enough. “Diabetes is a lifelong disease. Medicines are important, but patient education is equally critical. If people understand the condition, they can manage it better and prevent complications,” she says. For more than 27 years, she has organised an Annual Patients’ Education Programme, offering diagnostic tests at concessional rates and sessions on lifestyle management. Family, Practice With her husband frequently travelling for business, much of the responsibility of raising their two children fell on Dr Samudra. Instead of expanding her practice aggressively, she kept it close to home and adjusted her OPD timings around her children’s schedules. “It was not easy,” she recalls, “but I wanted to fulfil my responsibilities as a mother while continuing to serve my patients.” Beyond Medicine Today, Dr Samudra also devotes time to social initiatives through the Bharat Vikas Parishad, where she serves as Regional Head. Her projects include  Plastic Mukta Vasundhara , which promotes reduced use of single-use plastic, and  Sainik Ho Tumchyasathi , an initiative that sends Diwali  faral  (snack hamper) to Indian soldiers posted at the borders. Last year alone, 15,000 boxes were sent to troops. Despite decades of service, she measures success not in wealth but in goodwill. “I may not have earned huge money,” she says, “but I have earned immense love and respect from my patients. That is something I will always be grateful for.”

Ambulance deployed for Deputy CM; critical patient dies


Ambernath: A tragic incident in Ambernath has raised serious concerns over medical negligence and administrative priorities after Meena Balraman Suryawanshi, a resident of Swami Nagar, died when an ambulance was reportedly unavailable. The vehicle had been deployed for Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s visit to inaugurate the Dharmveer Anand Dighe Natyamandir.


According to local residents, Meena Suryawanshi suddenly fell critically ill and was rushed to the Chhaya Sub-District Hospital for urgent medical care. Citizens allege that there was a delay in providing immediate treatment despite her worsening condition.


After assessing her condition, doctors decided to refer Meena to Central Hospital in Ulhasnagar for advanced treatment. When residents requested an ambulance for the transfer, hospital staff reportedly told them that no ambulance was available because it had been assigned for VIP duty during the Deputy Chief Minister’s event.


Residents tried to arrange alternative transport, but precious time was lost. Tragically, Meena Balraman Suryawanshi passed away before she could be shifted.


Residents have expressed outrage over the incident, questioning how a government hospital could divert a critical emergency vehicle for a political function while a patient’s life was at stake. Locals also recalled that the same hospital had faced controversy a few years ago when 16 patients were allegedly given the wrong injection, raising concerns about recurring mismanagement and medical negligence.


Inquiry ordered

Dr. Shubhangi Wadekar, Medical Superintendent of Chhaya Sub-District Hospital, said she was aware of the incident and had ordered a detailed inquiry. “I will investigate the matter thoroughly and take strict action against those found responsible,” she stated.


Meanwhile, attempts to contact Civil Surgeon Kailash Pawar for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls.


While speaking to ‘The Perfect Voice’, Keshavan, a resident who was present during the incident, said, “The ambulance was occupied for a Deputy Chief Minister’s visit while Meena’s condition was critical. We tried everything to help, but precious minutes were lost. It’s heartbreaking that such negligence cost a life. This is not the first time something like this has happened — a few years ago, 16 patients at the same hospital were given the wrong injection.”


Social activist Mahesh Inkar said, “A woman who had suffered a heart attack was brought to Chhaya Sub-District Hospital in Ambernath for admission. Around the same time, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was visiting Ambernath for the inauguration of a theatre. As part of his security protocol, an ambulance from the Chhaya Sub-District Hospital was assigned to his visit.


During this period, the woman needed to be shifted to Thane or Mumbai for further treatment. Had an ambulance been available in time, it is possible her life could have been saved. Unfortunately, such incidents have occurred in the past as well.


Legal action must be taken against the doctors responsible in such cases, for negligence and dereliction of duty. Only then can we ensure such tragedies are not repeated in the future.”


Citizens are demanding a probe by the District Health Department to determine who authorised the use of the hospital ambulance for VIP duty and to ensure that such lapses do not occur again.


The death of Meena Balraman Suryawanshi has reignited debate over the misuse of public health resources for official events, highlighting the tension between VIP protocol and emergency medical care.

Comments

bottom of page