SAMBALPUR: In the bustling neighbourhood of Sakhipara in Sambalpur where daily wagers and tribals cannot afford to prioritise healthcare, Dr Sanjeeb Mishra’s free clinic has turned a saviour for many underprivileged.
The 37-year-old doctor and assistant professor at the department of community medicine in Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla, Mishra launched a free clinic in September last year aiming to address the healthcare challenges faced by the vulnerable population. In the last one year, his initiative has touched many lives.
Mishra’s journey with the free clinic began when he observed the struggles of daily wagers in his locality. They had little or no access to timely healthcare and in the struggle to eke out living, health was always placed last in the list of priorities. Though they could avail free treatment at VIMSAR, visiting the hospital would mean losing a day’s work and income.
Although the clinic was opened to offer free check-ups, Mishra soon realised that there was a critical need for health education among people from poor socio-economic backgrounds. Many of his patients exhibited symptoms of diabetes and hypertension but lacked the awareness to seek help early or manage their condition effectively.
“I wanted to not just treat illnesses but also empower people to take charge of their health,” said Mishra. He began sensitising his patients in the clinic on lifestyle changes, early detection, and regular health monitoring, enabling them to lead healthier lives despite comorbidities.
The clinic has successfully diagnosed hundreds of cases of hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, asthma, etc. Additionally, many women were identified with iron deficiency anemia and linked to ASHA workers for iron folic acid supplements.
Over 3,800 visits have been recorded since its inception, including follow-ups. Everyday, he checks around 20 to 25 patients and sometimes more before and after his work hours at VIMSAR.
One of the clinic’s strengths lies in its continuity of care. Unlike government hospitals, where patients often encounter different doctors during each visit, Mishra personally oversees all consultations, ensuring a consistent doctor-patient relationship. Patients do not have to repeat their medical history each time.
Mishra’s focus also lies in preventive healthcare. Leveraging his expertise in community medicine, he organises vaccination drives for pneumonia, influenza, and cervical cancer, providing vaccines at subsidised rates to ensure accessibility. “Prevention is as important as treatment. It’s about stopping the disease before it takes hold,” he explains.
While VIMSAR is a lifeline for poor patients in the region, Mishra’s initiative addresses the gaps created by resource constraints and an overwhelmed healthcare system. “My intention is not to surpass government-run facilities but to supplement them. Vulnerable populations deserve timely, quality healthcare, and I want to ensure they receive it,” he says.