"Unlike urban people, rural folk do not have much opportunities in terms of health care. They are also not aware of possible health problems affecting them," said Shrotri.
While most of his peers thought of going abroad or stayed back in Mumbai for prosperous medical practice, Dr Sandeep Shrotri (50) decided to stay in Satara, his hometown, and serve rural and tribal people.
When he completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1997, he was clear that he will practice medicine for rural people who are not fortunate enough to get good medical treatment. Shrotri pursued masters in surgery and was all set to join Dr Amte's organisation, when he was instead asked to practice in his area, where 90% coming for treatment are poor.
"Dr Amte is a role model. He had encouraged me to specialise in endoscopic procedures. He was the one who asked me to start my practice in Satara itself," said Shrotri, who has been visiting charitable trusts every month for 18 years now and holding surgical camps.
"Unlike urban people, rural folk do not have much opportunities in terms of health care. They are also not aware of possible health problems affecting them," said Shrotri.
He is the first person in Satara to start a diagnostic and therapeutic GI (gastro-intestinal) endoscopy centre. He has been holding many free surgical camps at Hemalkasa, Gadchiroli at Lokbiradari Prakalp of Dr Prakash Amte. He has also been an integral part of surgical camp at SEARCH, Shodgagram, Gadchiroli, a project of Dr Abhay Bang and Dr Rani Bang.
The medical camps arranged by Shrotri see 40-50 rural patients a month. He does biopsy, emergency endoscopy and surgery free of cost for those who can't afford to pay for the same. Sharing his experience in treating rural and tribal patients, Shrotri said these people work hard for their livelihood and, hence, ignore their health. "They are so engrossed in earning their livelihood that most of them get addicted to either drugs or alcohol," said Shrotri.
He said that due to the addiction he sees four to five new cancer patients in every medical camp. "Most of them are hooked to country liquor. Because of long-term drug, tobacco and alcohol addiction, they get lesions in oral cavity, food pipe and stomach," said Shrotri.
While these patients are then referred to tertiary care centres in Miraj or Mumbai, Shrotri makes it a point to call their friends and family and counsel them. "While treating the patient, I insist on meeting his/her family and friends and counsel them about the harmful effects of such addiction. It becomes a deterrent factor for the rest," he added.
Talking about young doctors, Shrotri said he sees many motivated young doctors inclined towards working for rural population. "Things have changed in the last 10 years. I can see more young doctors motivated to work in rural set-ups and areas, such as Amravati, Nandurbar and Dhule," said Shrotri.
He said India needs more people like Dr Amte and Dr Bang. "Though many young doctors are ready to practice or hold medical camps in rural parts of India, we still have very bad doctor-patient ratio. We need more doctors to ensure every person gets good medical service," Shrotri added.
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