Dilip Lahanuji Patil, a 58-year-old resident of Somalwada, Nagpur, breathed his last at SMHRC / DBASI after a brief illness on October 31, 2023. He had been shifted from a private hospital to SMHRC in view of the affordable quality health care made available at SMHRC by the full-time specialists and super specialists in the 65 bedded Critical Care Unit Complex which is presently the largest CCU in the city.
Dr. Kunal Saoji, Associate Professor, Orthopaedics- SMHRC, Wanadongri reached out to Dr. Vasant Gawande, Chief Medical Superintendent- SMHRC as his uncle Mr. Sunil Saoji and friend Mr. Pravin Chimalwar were the caretakers of Mr. Dilip Lahanuji Patil. Mr. Dilip Lahanuji Patil who was working as a watchman at their place and was under their care for 15 years, as he had no relatives / guardian. So, after his demise they wanted to get his last rituals done as per religious tradition. In this process Nursing Supervisor Br. Yashwant Waghmare and Mr. Ritesh Gujarkar, Manager MJPJAY who were helping to complete hospital formalities suggested Dr. Kunal Saoji and his uncle Mr. Sunil Saoji and their friend Mr. Pravin Chimalwar donate his body for the noble mission of educating Doctors. Mr. Sunil Saoji and his friend Mr. Pravin Chimalwar were convinced with the idea and it was accordingly communicated. Dr. Vasant Gawande, SMHRC Chief Medical Superintendent along with the administrative team namely Br. Neeraj Kalihari, Dr. Shivam Gupta, Dr. Ishangi Nimgade, Mr. Ashish Darne and Miss. Bhagyashree Gohane, orchestrated a seamless series of arrangements, encompassing body donation and ambulance services, meticulously coordinated at Datta Meghe Medical College’s Anatomy Department.
Dr. Trupti Balwir, Head of Department , Anatomy, DMMC stated that the act of donating one’s body for medical research and education is an invaluable contribution to society, and she commended the tireless efforts of selfless social activists like Dr.Susheel Meshram who have been instrumental in motivating the public to support this noble cause of Dehdaan.
Dr. Ujwal Gajbe, Dean, DMMC mentioned that medical science and healthcare have made incredible strides over the years, benefiting from the selfless generosity of individuals who choose to donate their bodies to science. These donations provide medical students, researchers, and healthcare professionals with invaluable opportunities to learn and understand the human body in ways that textbooks and simulations cannot replicate. The knowledge gained from these donations is instrumental in improving medical practices, developing new treatments, and ultimately saving lives.
Dr. Anup Marar, Director , SMHRC encouraged everyone to consider the incredible gift of donating their bodies for medical science. He added that it is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, a legacy of learning and discovery, and a selfless act that will continue to benefit society for generations to come. He complimented Team SMHRC for the proactive efforts taken to ensure that the legacy of Shri.Patil lives on.