During my mandatory 3-month rural posting as part of my internship, I was stationed at Chiraigaon, Varanasi. The hospital was dilapidated, situated amidst vast agricultural fields, with poor sanitation, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, substandard living quarters for medical personnel, sporadic electricity supply, rough roads, absence of tap water, an abundance of mosquitoes, and frequent encounters with snakes. Understandably, most interns left for college after a few days, unenthusiastic about the forced rural experience. This immersion in the realities of primary healthcare in India left me disheartened. After investing five years in the rigorous MBBS program, I struggled to reconcile my dreams of a prestigious career in a modern hospital with the harsh realities I faced.
Contemplating a career change, I considered following in the footsteps of some friends by taking the Civil Service examination. However, I chose to stay a few extra days in the rural setting. On the third day, I learned that the Primary Health Centre (PHC) needed a doctor for a school health program. Seeking a break from boredom and loneliness, I volunteered for the assignment at the SOS Village.
Arriving at the SOS Village, I encountered a group of sickly children accompanied by caregivers. Their warm reception and hopeful gazes were unexpected. Despite feeling unequipped to treat children and anxious about my lack of pediatric knowledge, I attempted to connect with them by taking their medical history. Simmy, a six-year-old girl with a high fever, shared her heartbreaking story of losing her parents in a car accident and being sent to the orphanage. Overwhelmed by her suffering, I struggled with my inadequacies as a physician.
Fortunately, a nurse with pediatric experience joined me, offering invaluable support and expertise. With her assistance, I administered treatment to several children suffering from measles, provided comfort, and transformed a playroom into a makeshift ward. Despite initial doubts, I gained confidence and organizational skills, earning the gratitude of the children and their caregivers.
The experience at the SOS Village taught me invaluable lessons about compassion, humility, and the transformative power of genuine care. It reaffirmed my passion for medicine and the profound impact a caring attitude can have on healing. Though my time at the village eventually came to an end, the memories and lessons learned continue to guide me in my medical journey, reminding me of the noble calling of serving humanity.
The bond forged during those intense days at the SOS Village remains etched in my heart. It was not just about medical treatment; it was about being present, listening, and offering empathy to those in need. As I reflect on that transformative experience, I realize that true healing goes beyond prescriptions and procedures; it encompasses understanding, kindness, and human connection.
Returning to my college after the rural posting, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the privilege of being a healthcare provider. The challenges and rewards of that time continue to shape my approach to patient care and remind me of the resilience and strength I witnessed in the faces of those children.
The SOS Village became a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of collective support. It taught me that while medical knowledge and skills are crucial, it is our humanity, compassion, and dedication that make the real difference in people's lives.
The Chetna founded by Prama Jyoti Foundation is the NGO For Children In Delhi and works for Child rights and Child Education.
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