KOCHI: When Dr Ganesh Bhairya stepped onto the stage to inaugurate a Doctors’ Day event at SP Medifort Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, all eyes were trained on him. And why wouldn’t it be? After all, he was one of the chief guests of the occasion.
Well, there’s another reason. At just under three-and-a-half feet tall, the 23-year-old, who hails from Bhavnagar in Gujarat, is the world’s shortest doctor. Yet, despite this seemingly all-hindering physical disability, Ganesh was able to complete his MBBS this year. “It was not an easy feat,” he tells TNIE.
Indeed, Ganesh’s journey in the medical field was nothing short of extraordinary. After writing the competitive examination in 2018, Ganesh applied for MBBS but was rejected by the Medical Council of India (MCI) on account of his height. “They said I won’t be able to handle emergency cases, etc. Though this did discourage me at the time, my teachers kept up my spirits and helped me file a case with the Gujarat High Court,” he recalls.
However, the court’s judgment was in support of the MCI decision, prompting Ganesh and his friends to approach the apex court. “After a long struggle, we won. The Supreme Court directed that I will start studying for MBBS the next academic year without having to give NEET and that I would have a government seat reserved,” he says.
Now, in 2024, Ganesh has not only finished his MBBS but has also started working as an intern at Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, in Gujarat. “This is a dream come true. When I was young, I always wanted to be a doctor, but back then, I did not know anything about becoming one. During high school, my teachers and the school principal encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine. They said I could be an inspiration,” he recalls.
He also had many role models. “I was very inspired by IPS Safin Hassan, the youngest IPS officer in India and someone who I’ve personally met and talked to on several occasions. Another big inspiration for me was the journey of IAS Ira Singhal, who herself is disabled but beat all odds to crack the UPSC examination and reach heights,” Ganesh adds.
However, becoming a doctor was not the end of his challenges as he had to learn how to work in the field while coping with his short stature. “Many of my patients were surprised when they first saw me. Some did not believe that I was an actual doctor. They finally came around,” says Ganesh.
His colleagues were excited to work with him from the very start. “We developed some creative solutions like getting a tall chair to help me get past practical difficulties while working, he adds.
Ganesh Bhairaya’s story serves as a powerful reminder that physical stature does not determine one’s ability to achieve greatness. His achievements and dedication to his profession inspire students everywhere to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
Ganesh’s message is clear: “With hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible.”