City doc makes ‘big save’ for India goalkeeper

By Paritosh Pramanik 

IN TIMES when the medical profession is reeling under charges of blindly going after commercialism, a city neurosurgeon has provided a booster dose of selfless service by helping a sportsman serving the country.
Indian hockey goalkeeper Akash Chikte, and who hails from Yavatmal, saw a big save made by Dr Pramod Giri of Neuron Hospital when the doctor performed a life saving surgery on his father absolutely free of cost.
Akash’s father Anil, a welder by profession, was suffering from a brain decease called aneurysm which can lead to vasospasm (sudden constriction of a blood vessel, reducing its diameter and flow rate) and multiple infarct. He needed immediate surgery costing lakhs of rupees.
Akash, hailing from Lohara village in Yavatmal, was on duty at  BEG Pune when he received the news of his father’s ailment on Wednesday.
“My father was first taken to Sanjivani Hospital in Yavatmal where doctors referred him to Neuron. As I was in Pune my family members and friend Shahid bhai brought him to Nagpur in an ambulance,” said Akash.
“When Dr Pramod Giri came to know that I am an international and current India player he was more than happy to help and assured the best possible facilities to my father,” narrated Akash, who won the Asia Cup gold medal for India in 2016 and also won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
With his family already facing burden of loan, Akash was struggling to arrange money for the operation.
Dr Giri was generous to waive off all cost needed for the costly surgery.
“You have made the country proud, gave countrymen many happy moments with your stellar performance. Also, you serve the armed forces for whom I have a great respect. I feel honoured and privileged to help you in this hour of need,” Dr Giri told Akash.
An emotional Akash was lost for words to thank Dr Giri.
“I am highly indebted to Dr Giri. God works in many ways and I have seen it today. He is a god-send man for me. I can’t explain how much relieved I am now,” Akash told ‘The Hitavada’ after his father’s successful operation.
“I will now work harder to keep India’s flag flying high because such kind-hearted people follow us,” added Akash, who made his India debut in 2014 at Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Tournament in Malaysia.
Dr Giri, who has successfully operated around 250 such cases, said the operation was successful and Anil was on recovery path.
“Clipping has been done successfully and Akash’s father is fine. The complications of the disease leads from vasospasm to cardiac abnormalities. All these have to be managed in the post-operative phase to take out the patient from the critical status,” added Dr Giri who was assisted by anesthetist Dr Shivaji Deshmukh.
For Akash, Dr Giri was like an elder brother counselling him in a difficult situation. He has to leave for the Indian hockey team’s conditioning camp for the forthcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Commonwealth Games beginning February 11.
When Akash narrated this peculiar situation, Dr Giri said, “Bindhast jaa... ???? kaalji karu nako.... Mee aahe na ithe tujhya baba sobat...changla khel desha sathi (Don’t worry....go and attend the camp. I am here to take care of your father. Do well for the country).”
This is one save Akash would never forget for the rest of his life!