Dr Padmanabh Kamath-a Cardiologist turns Good Samaritan by Donating Wheel-Chairs

Dr Padmanabh Kamath-a Cardiologist turns Good Samaritan by Donating Wheel-Chairs

Dr Padmanabh Kamath-an Interventional Cardiologist, currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Cardiology at KMC Hospital (Ambedkar Circle), turns a Good Samaritan on New Year Day by Donating Four Wheel-Chairs to two government hospitals in Mangaluru. “Seeing some of the advertisements and posters pertaining to new year parties which are more expensive than the price of a wheelchair, I wonder if a person can afford to spend so much for a few hours of fun and frolic, why can’t they donate part of their wealth towards donation of wheelchairs that can help patients for life? I’m not against people engaging in such parties or celebrations, but it would be nice if they spare a thought for those who are struggling with life due to their disability and a little money can change their lives forever,” says Dr Kamath

Mangaluru: “Many aspire to change the world but few realize that everyone accomplishes that goal. Each day you live you are changing something. Rather than simply changing the world, one should aspire to make a positive change with each action they commit”-this quote applies to Dr Padmanabh Kamath-an Interventional Cardiologist, currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Cardiology at KMC Hospital (Ambedkar Circle), who turned a Good Samaritan on New Year Day by donating four Wheel-Chairs to two government hospitals in Mangaluru, namely the Government Wenlock Hospital and Lady Goschen Hospital.

While part of the society on New Year’s Eve spent lavishly on parties at Hotels, Clubs and Pubs, Dr Kamath with a generous heart came up with an thoughtful and initiative idea to donate a few wheelchairs which could be of great use for the physically disabled, by using the same amount of money that he could too have spent like a few revellers on New Year Eve parties. By his generous act Dr Kamath has brought miles of smiles among the disabled persons, thereby also making a difference in their lives.

When asked what made him to come up with this initiative and generous idea, Dr Kamath said,”This idea of donating wheelchairs struck me when I witnessed three kids crawling in the corridors of a charitable institution in the city, who wanted to go answer nature’s call to the toilet, during my recent visit there. I initially thought the kids were playing, but then the in-charge of the institution briefed me of their condition stating that they were suffering from muscular dystrophy; a condition by birth in which muscles are always weak and the individuals do not have enough strength to handle the body weight. Because of this, they can only crawl. With the help of manual wheelchairs, they can move around conveniently since their arms will generally be strong enough.”

“At that moment I thought to myself that I have to do something towards persons with physical disability. I have been seeing patients for the last 25 years. We cannot do everything we want as doctors. So, I decided to set aside some money for wheelchairs and begin my New Year with a hint of satisfaction,” he said, adding that patients sometimes have no other choice than to crawl even to go to the toilets. He further said, “There is also a desperate need of permanent wheelchairs at bus stops, bus stands and railway stations, because a patient who cannot walk or the aged need to be lifted from the vehicle to the auto rickshaw. And here where the need for wheelchairs is very much required. Why even wait for help from the government, which takes long time or may not be fulfilled. Instead the public should come forward and open their generous hearts by donating for a good cause.”

” We have seen wheelchairs at airports, that’s because the airport management want to please the rich aircraft passengers. If you look around in the City, there are many charitable institutions and NGO’s that lack wheelchairs, and they can’t afford to buy them because of the enormous cost. This is where the participation of wealthy class of the society is very much solicited, where they can donate generously towards the wheelchairs. I only hope that my example would inspire and convince at least a few citizens to be generous towards this issue which has been unattended for a long time. So at least during this New Year 2018 let us work together and help this needy cause. Hoping that you all will do the needful, I Thank You in anticipation,” said Dr Padmanabha Kamath.

Each wheelchair costing around Rs 5500, two of them were donated to Wenlock hospital on Monday 1st January by Dr Padmanabha Kamath, in the presence of District Medical Officer Dr Rajeshwari, RMO Dr Julian Saldanha, Dr Sowmini P Kamath- (Pediatrician at KMC-Attavar and wife of Dr Padmanabha Kamath), and ashwath Subba Rao- chief pharmacist at Wenlock. Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Dr Rajeshwari said, ” It is indeed a kind gesture of Dr Kamath to share part of his earnings towards this good cause which will benefit patients with physical disabilities. Others also should follow in the footsteps of Dr Kamath and be generous in giving for a good cause. On behalf of Govt wenlock hospital I thank Dr Kamath for kind donation”.

Also as part of “Sharing and Giving” during Christmas season, a few degree students of St Aloysius College-Mangaluru namely-Dasha Saldanha, Vishanth Menezes, Gina D’souza, Asmitha Tauro who belong to a group called “Frosty’s confectioners” donated fruits, toiletries, and other goodies to nearly 50 patients of Wenlock, during the wheelchair handing over. (Other two members of this group, Royston Alvares and Devbrath Mishra were absent).

While complimenting Dr Padmanabha Kamath for his kind generosity, and also the students of St Aloysius College, while concluding in my perspective, “Just like Dr Kamath and these youth, knowing that you have helped make someone else’s life a little brighter and better is a special feeling through your donation, and one that will last with you for a long time. And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy. So if you are looking for a way to enhance your act of sharing and giving experience, try giving back now. Let’s give to the less fortunate, non-profit organizations, and others a feeling of hope, and make a difference in their lives.

I end this column with a quote -“If you judge people, you have no time to love them. Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in. I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things. A life not lived for others is not a life. Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

About Dr Padmanabh Kamath:

Dr. Padmanabh Kamath, an Interventional Cardiologist, is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Cardiology at KMC Hospital (Ambedkar Circle), where he has been teaching since June 2006. He also consults at Balmatta Diagnostic and Research Centre. Earlier, Dr. Kamath taught in the Department of Cardiology at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, for two years as Assistant Professor and about three months as Associate Professor, just prior to joining KMC.

Dr. Kamath holds MBBS (1995) and MD (1999) degrees, and also successfully completed the DM post-doctoral super speciality degree course in Cardiology from Christian Medical College, Vellore (2001-2004). Dr. Kamath has been involved in several research studies and has quite a few publications to his credit. He has attended a large number of national and international conferences, and delivered many lectures and presentations.