On 30 May 2024, Shri PL Tapdiya, the newly elected President of Kasturba Health Society (KHS), addressed the press to share his roadmap to uphold and build upon the institution’s legacy of excellence in rural healthcare and medical education. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. BS Garg (Secretary of KHS) Dr AK Shukla (Dean of MGIMS), Dr. Poonam Shivkumar Varma (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital), Dr Ramesh Pandey (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital), Mrs. Shaily Jain-Kalantri (Administrative Officer, Kasturba Hospital) and eminent press reporters of Wardha.
Shri Tapdiya acknowledged his distinguished predecessors, Dr. Sushila Nayar and Shri Dhirubhai Mehta, whose dedication has established a strong foundation for continued growth and excellence. “Kasturba Hospital and Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS) have an 80-year legacy, deeply rooted in Mahatma Gandhi's vision and Dr. Sushila Nayar's pioneering efforts. We are committed to continuing this legacy of providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare to the rural communities of Maharashtra and beyond,” said Shri Tapdiya.
“We stand as a testament to the power of public-private partnership. With funding from GOI, Govt of Maharashtra, and unwavering dedication from our team, we exemplify how collaboration can bridge the gap between privilege and deprivation, bringing quality healthcare within reach of all”, Shri Tapdiya said. The President highlighted MGIMS’s unique model, where students live in villages to directly engage with and learn from the rural population. This approach not only produces skilled medical professionals but also fosters compassionate healers who understand the complex socio-economic factors affecting rural health. Reaffirming KHS’s commitment to serving vulnerable populations, the President pointed to various initiatives such as extending healthcare services to Melghat, maternal and child health projects, health camps, and low-cost drug programs. These efforts ensure that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from receiving necessary care.
Looking forward, the President outlined several strategic focus areas to drive the future of the institute. Emphasizing academic excellence, Shri Tapdiya aims to enhance medical education and research to nurture healthcare leaders who are clinically competent, ethical, and socially responsible. Improving patient service is a priority, with plans to enhance the quality, affordability, and accessibility of healthcare services. This includes expanding the Dialysis unit, introducing an Emergency Medicine department, enhancing cancer services, and improving other diagnostic facilities. The President also highlighted the importance of strengthening research infrastructure, promoting collaborative research and embracing innovation and technology to address evolving healthcare needs.
As the new President of KHS embarks on this journey, the community looks forward to a future marked by enhanced healthcare services, cutting-edge research, and continued commitment to the principles of compassion and service.