Hyderabad’s Dr Prabhu Kumar travels to Manipur, provides medical relief to locals

Hyderabad: The pledge we made in school, “India is my country, and all Indians are my brothers and sisters,” resonated deeply with Dr Prabhu Kumar, for he embarked on a selfless mission to help conflict-stricken parts of the country. Driven by a sense of duty and unity, he fearlessly ventured into the heart of violence-ravaged Manipur to provide aid and relief to those suffering amidst the turmoil.

Dr Prabhu Kumar Challagali, president of the Indian Medical Association, Banjara Hills, began his journey to Manipur with a visit to the district council, where he obtained valuable information about the situation in Manipur and the urgent need for medical care. He said, “When I witnessed the violence a month ago, I spoke with the chief medical officer of Kangpokpi district in Manipur, which was severely affected by the current conflict. I also talked to a friend who serves as the superintendent of police and formed a team to reach the war-torn areas.”

Undeterred by the challenges ahead, he made his way to Kolkata before proceeding to Nagaland, and finally arriving at Kangpokpi and other affected areas by car and other large vehicles due to the lack of transportation options.

“At the site, when I saw the devastating effects of landslides, protests, and violence during the crisis, I knew I had to take action and help. Even though it was risky, I was determined to support and bring relief to the people suffering in that area. So, I persevered, using cars and big vehicles to reach the places that needed help the most,” Dr Prabhu said.

Although initially three doctors planned to set up a medical camp, the others had to drop out due to various reasons and only Dr Prabhu Kumar stayed on. Despite starting his journey alone, he found support from many helping hands along the way.

“It was tough, but I kept going because I wanted to help. Seeing the impact up close made me realise how important it is to be there for those in need, even in dangerous situations. This experience deepened my commitment to helping others during difficult times,” he said.

Having conducted more than 5,000 medical camps in his 20 years of experience, mainly in rural areas across the nation, Dr Prabhu Kumar’s expertise enabled him to travel to Manipur and sustain himself there. He said, “Given the cultural differences, it was challenging to find suitable food for myself. Fortunately, drawing from my experience, I carried some apples, bread, and packets of water with me. It was rare to find rice, but when I did, the only option was to have it with chili powder, as their cuisine and culture are vastly different.”

To cater to the medical needs of the people, Dr Prabhu brought along a comprehensive medical setup, including an array of medicines and medical equipment. Additionally, he purchased essential supplies like food, blankets, and clothing to assist the displaced families and provide comfort during their difficult times.

“I provided treatment to over 600 people, most of whom were suffering from diarrhoea and viral infections due to heavy rains and lack of shelter. Additionally, as I used an instant diabetic machine to check, I found that most of their sugar levels were dangerously high, crossing 400,” he said.

Communication with the locals proved to be a challenge due to the language barrier. However, Dr Prabhu Kumar found assistance from a medical officer and nurses who helped him translate and communicate with the affected individuals. His medical expertise enabled him to diagnose and treat numerous patients suffering from ailments such as diarrhea, viral infections, and trauma.

The journey to Manipur itself was a daunting task, but another challenge awaited me – convincing my family. However, they understood the significance of medical aid and wholeheartedly supported me in my mission.

Throughout his stay, Dr Prabhu Kumar’s commitment and compassion were evident, as he offered much-needed medical care and emotional support to the affected communities. Despite facing personal hardships and discomfort, he remained undeterred, exemplifying the true spirit of humanity and selflessness.

Reflecting on his experience, Dr Prabhu Kumar said, “I believed in showing support through actions, not just words. So, I reached out to those in need and offered a helping hand. Moreover, there is a significant need to address the mental health of the affected people and provide psychiatric support to help them deal with the trauma and violence they have endured.”

Dr Prabhu Kumar’s selfless act of reaching out to those suffering in Manipur served as a beacon of hope and inspired others to join hands in making a positive impact during times of crisis.