Kamal Ghorui
There is a widely held perception today that the finest medical care exists only within the polished walls of expensive private hospitals. My own life journey, however, has revealed a far deeper truth. India’s government hospitals are home to some of the most skilled, experienced, and deeply dedicated doctors, whose service is rooted not in commerce, but in compassion and commitment.
I was diagnosed with stage three cancer, rapidly progressing toward stage four. Twenty-six tumours were surgically removed, followed by five to six months of intensive chemotherapy. By what I can only describe as divine grace, I survived, through a combination of advanced medical treatment and sincere Pranic Healing techniques.
My treatment took place at one of South Mumbai’s most reputed private hospitals. Visitors often remarked that I was fortunate to receive “five-star treatment” in a “five-star environment.” The cost exceeded Rs 50 lakh. Even today, a single consultation with a private doctor there ranges between Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,000. Add to this the cascade of diagnostic tests, medications, and repeated follow-ups, and the immense financial burden becomes clear.
In contrast, I have long believed that doctors in government hospitals often possess a deeper sense of dedication. Their exposure to a vast range of cases, from minor ailments to the most critical conditions, sharpens their clinical judgment to an extraordinary level. More importantly, their service is driven by a genuine desire to heal rather than to profit.
My experiences over the past two years have only strengthened this belief. During this time, I have been visiting Grant Medical College and Sir JJ Group of Hospitals in Mumbai. Across departments such as neurosurgery, dermatology, and ENT and through investigations including MRI and CT scans, I consistently received reliable diagnoses and deeply satisfying care.
What struck me most was the contrast in approach. While a private neurosurgeon quoted Rs 4,000 for a consultation and confidently promised a cure even before understanding the condition, my experience at Grant Medical College was entirely different. For a nominal registration fee of Rs 20, I was attended by the Head of Neurosurgery, Dr Vernon Velho, one of the finest neurosurgeons in the country.
Dr Velho heads one of the largest neurosurgery departments in India’s government hospital system. His department performs an extraordinary volume of surgeries each year,, approximately 750–850 brain (cranial) procedures and 450–550 spine surgeries. His expertise spans brain tumours, stroke management, and complex cranial and spinal operations. Grant Medical College itself is historically significant, being among the oldest centres of Western medicine in Asia (established in 1845).
Yet, what truly elevates Dr Velho is not just his surgical mastery, but his humanity. Years of selfless and compassionate service have made him a near-divine figure in the eyes of many patients. Over two years of interaction, he became a guiding force in my life as well. Originally from Goa, he has spent years in Mumbai, away from his family, teaching students and treating patients with remarkable empathy.
I first consulted him for a severe lower back condition that had left me unable to walk comfortably for nearly two years. Instead of rushing toward expensive interventions, he listened patiently and asked a deeply insightful question about emotional stress and trauma. He explained that the body sometimes reflects the burden carried by the mind. His prescription was simple: ten days of physiotherapy and basic nutritional support. Within a week, a pain that had persisted for years disappeared completely. My Mother who was vouched to have Parkinsons & treated for it by private doctors for 15 years without any improvement was immediately diagnosed of blood thickening in the brain by Dr. Velho and treated well.
Encounters like these reaffirm that India still has extraordinary doctors who serve quietly, without seeking recognition or financial gain. Had Dr Velho chosen the private sector, he would undoubtedly have amassed great wealth. Instead, he continues to serve with humility and purpose.
A similar experience unfolded recently in Uttarakhand. While dropping my daughter at Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, I decided to undergo an MRI, as suggested by Dr Velho, for a persistent and severe headache. From the airport, I travelled to Rishikesh and stayed at the serene Dayanand Saraswati Ashram.
The following morning, I visited the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh. The scale and organisation of the institute left me deeply impressed. I met Dr Subodh Dobhal, who guided me selflessly through the process of consultations and evaluations. Given my history as a cancer survivor, a comprehensive assessment was recommended.
Although I was given an MRI appointment after a month, due to high demand, I was unlikely to be in town then. I subsequently met Professor Meenu Singh, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Rishikesh. A leader in telemedicine and Co-chair of the Cochrane India Network, she has received international training in paediatric respiratory medicine and pulmonology.
Despite her vast achievements, & busy schedule, her presence was marked by simplicity, humility, and warmth. She suggested a PET scan instead of an MRI, given my medical history, as it would provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
She immediately directed me to Dr Vandana Dhingra, Head of the Nuclear Medicine Department, who ensured that the entire process was handled with efficiency and care. The department was equipped with advanced technology and staffed by highly skilled professionals, yet everyone functioned with remarkable politeness and dedication.
What amazed me further was the cost. A PET scan that typically costs Rs 26,000–Rs 30,000 in major hospitals was conducted here for approximately Rs 7,000—without any compromise in quality. Even I paid Rs 600 for a simple tooth filling in the RKM Charitable Hospital in where as it is just Rs 50 in Government dental hospital and Rs 200 in Charitable Trust in Mumbai.
Within just three days, all my investigations were completed. The experience was seamless, supportive, and deeply reassuring. It became evident that AIIMS Rishikesh stands among India’s finest medical institutions—not only in infrastructure and expertise, but in the culture of care it fosters.
Dr Meenu Singh’s dynamic leadership is clearly reflected in this ecosystem. Through digital platforms, training initiatives, and a focus on evidence-based medicine, she has significantly contributed to transforming healthcare delivery.
This journey has led me to a profound realisation: true excellence in medicine is not defined by luxury, cost, or outward appearance. It is defined by knowledge, experience, integrity, and—above all—the intention to serve.
India continues to be blessed with doctors who embody these values quietly and consistently. They may not always be in the spotlight, but they remain the true pillars of healing in our society. Such doctors must be cherished, and such institutions must be valued.
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