BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, on Tuesday, announced institution of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das Award for dedicated selfless service in health sector from this year.
Stating that Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das is the symbol of sacrifice and selfless service, Naveen said the award would encourage people working in the health sector to render their services. “I am sure there are many doctors, paramedical staff, individuals and organisations that are running the extra mile in providing selfless healthcare in various corners of the State.
The Chief Minister felicitated Dr Omkar Hota for his exemplary commitment in walking the extra mile in bringing health care to some of the remote villages of Malkangiri district. Dr Hota had recently made headlines for walking nearly 10 km carrying a woman on a cot to the hospital and saving her life.
The woman was starring at death due to excessive bleeding post delivery in an inaccessible village in the tribal-dominated district when the doctor decided to carry her on a cot as the villagers refused to touch the woman citing tribal traditions.After the felicitation, Dr Hota, a native of Balangir district, thanked the Chief Minister for his noble gesture. He said the honour would encourage him to do such selfless services.