Transforming Public Health: The Impact of Dr. Surekha Patil

Dr. Surekha Keshav Mendhe Patil's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and vision. From her humble beginnings in Jalgaon to her significant contributions to public health in Maharashtra, Dr. Patil has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others. This commitment was evident when, in Thane District, Bhiwandi Taluka, efforts to vaccinate the population against rubella were met with resistance. She advocates for strict measures, such as ensuring no student is admitted to school without vaccination and penalizing those who issue false vaccination certificates. Improving the health sector requires not only holding health workers and officers accountable but also addressing systemic issues. Her work has had a lasting impact on the communities she has served, and her legacy of service and leadership continues to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals. As she reflects on her career, Dr. Patil remains fulfilled by her achievements and contributions to society, proud of the positive changes she has effected through her unwavering commitment to healthcare and social service.

Introduction:

Dr. Surekha Keshav Mendhe Patil was born in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, on June 4, 1959. From a young age, she balanced household responsibilities with her studies. Due to her parents' concerns about the electricity bill, she was not allowed to study after 9 p.m., so she made the most of her school hours, studying with complete concentration. She passed the 10th standard from Bhagirath English School, Jalgaon, in 1975 with an open merit scholarship. She studied in Marathi medium until the 11th grade and then switched to English medium at M.J. College, Jalgaon, for the 12th grade. Despite this transition, she ranked 14th in merit in the Maharashtra Board. She scored a perfect 150 out of 150 in mathematics and was selected for IIT Powai, but her passion for social work led her to choose the medical field instead.

She earned her MBBS and M.S. in Ophthalmology from B.J. Medical College, Pune. Her role as General Secretary in the hostel helped her develop leadership skills. Due to financial constraints, she passed the MBBS MPSC and began her career as a medical officer in government service. Over time, she was promoted to Medical Superintendent, Civil Surgeon, Assistant Director of the Mumbai region, Thane, and nominee for Secretary in the public health department for the human organ transplant committee. Throughout her career, she has performed over 40,000 free eye surgeries, initiated a blood bank in Jawhar in the Palghar district, and established a milk bank at the District Women’s Hospital in Akola. She also started the first dialysis center at the Sub-District Hospital in Shegaon, the first in Maharashtra. Despite being the junior-most and a lady officer, she was awarded a World Health Organization scholarship to study AIDS and STDs in Thailand.

Challenges and Achievements:

Dr. Surekha faced challenges such as working with unqualified staff and inadequate resources. However, her focus on integrity, confidence, and perseverance helped her overcome these obstacles. Her approach inspired previously uninvolved employees to work sincerely.

She joined the Lions Club in 1992 and led the Lions Club Khamgaon as president, zone chairperson, and district cabinet officer from 2000 to 2023. She was involved in a record-breaking program that screened about 300,000 students in District 3234H2 at one time. She also established a blood bank in Jawhar, significantly reducing the mortality rate in that remote and underserved area. Her work in landmark education in Akola was another turning point; a collaborative effort by her and her team saved a critically ill patient, reinforcing her commitment to patient care and teamwork.

She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the International Award of Excellence as president of Lions Club Khamgaon, the Extension Award, Best President, Best Zone Chairperson, Jijau Savitribai Phule Award, Anandibai Joshi Award, and the Woman Empowerment Award from the state Indian Medical Association. As IMA President of Khamgaon in 2021, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from IMA. She is also a life member of the All India Ophthalmological Society, Maharashtra Ophthalmological Society, and Vice President of the Buldhana Ophthalmological Society.

Personal Insights:

Dr. Surekha was granted power of attorney by our honorable collector, Mr. Ramachandra Kulkarni, to sign as a collector during the interviews of contractual workers. This was possible because of the trust and responsibility she earned. She maintains a balance between her personal and professional life through effective time management and multitasking, made easier by modern communication tools.

Impact and Vision:

She believes qualities like self-awareness, integrity, prioritizing tasks, and efficient time management are crucial for success. Dedication, devotion, determination, and discipline are essential for a healthcare career.

Regarding future trends, she acknowledges that while Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's initiatives to develop the health sector are commendable, challenges such as poverty and illiteracy prevent these schemes from reaching grassroots levels. Many people remain unaware of health schemes, while others misuse them.

Conclusion:

Dr. Surekha has fulfilled her career achievements and contributions to society. She has trained numerous health workers and is proud of her strict yet effective leadership style, which has positively impacted the next generation.