Dr. Arunoday Mondal, a 70-year-old physician from Bengaluru, embodies the spirit of selfless service with his remarkable dedication to healthcare in one of West Bengal’s most remote areas. For over 23 years, Dr. Mondal has transformed his weekends into a mission of mercy, traveling long distances to provide free medical care at Sujan, a clinic he founded in Hingalganj.
The Journey to Sujan
Every Saturday, Dr. Mondal undertakes a grueling journey of six hours and 160 kilometers to reach Sujan, which is located in a challenging, remote part of the Sundarbans. His journey begins with an early morning drive to Dum Dum Cantonment Railway Station, followed by a train ride to Hasnabad. From there, he takes an autorickshaw, then a mechanized boat, and finally a motorbike to cover the last stretch to Sujan. This arduous trip underscores Dr. Mondal’s unwavering commitment to serving his community.
Inspiration and Foundation
Dr. Mondal’s dedication to helping the underserved stems from his personal experiences and family background. Growing up in Hingalganj, he witnessed the difficulties his community faced in accessing healthcare. His grandfather, a homeopathic doctor, inspired him with his practice of offering free medical care. After completing his MBBS and working at Dr. B C Roy Memorial Hospital for Children, Dr. Mondal was drawn back to his roots, driven by a deep-seated desire to support the underprivileged.
In 2000, he established Sujan on a piece of land he purchased, setting up a two-story facility to serve the poor without government assistance. The clinic has since become a beacon of hope for those in the Sundarbans, providing free consultations and treatments to villagers, fishermen, local residents, and Adivasi families.
Services and Impact
Despite consulting only on weekends, Dr. Mondal’s clinic operates daily with a team of eight medical staff. They handle pathological tests, sonographies, CT scans, and physiotherapy. Sujan also hosts various medical camps, including eye checkups, diabetes prevention, gynecological care, cancer detection, and blood donation drives.
Dr. Mondal’s plans include expanding the clinic’s capacity with a 16-bed unit, dedicated to treating snake bites, emergencies, expectant mothers, and neonatal care. This expansion is crucial due to the high incidence of snake bites in the area, which often results in fatalities due to insufficient anti-venom facilities.
Challenges and Recognition
Dr. Mondal’s dedication has not wavered, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the personal loss of his brother to the virus and the severe strain on his resources, he continued his mission. His tireless work was recognized in 2020 when he was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. While he values the honor, he cherishes the respect and gratitude of his patients more.
Dr. Mondal’s story is a testament to the profound impact that one individual’s dedication can have on a community. His relentless efforts ensure that the people of the Sundarbans receive the care they desperately need, despite the region’s remote location and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. His commitment to serving the underserved continues to inspire and uplift countless lives.
