Man earns CM pat for helping patients
Cuttack: Book binder Abhimanyu Das of Netaji Nagar has been praised by chief minister Naveen Patnaik over Twitter on Thursday for helping cancer patients at the Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC).
His journey started in 2002 when he was bedridden for eight months after a serious road accident. “During that time, I read a lot and came to know from newspapers that many poor patients require monetary help for their treatment. I started helping them when I recovered,” said Abhimanyu.
He opted for those suffering from cancer after his mother succumbed to cancer in 1999 after two years of battling it. “Four other family members of mine also died of cancer. I know the pain and suffering and stated serving cancer patients,” added Abhimanyu.
For the job, Abhimanyu goes to AHRCC every day at 9.30 am and stays there for five hours. He pays more attention to the poor and the destitute. “I will serve the people till my last breath,” said Das, who has not been deterred by the pandemic.
He takes all precaution before visiting the hospital that has reported 130 Covid-19 positive cases. “I wear a PPE kit, face mask and head gear before entering the hospital. I even cremated one body that was lying at he cancer centre for more than 24 hours with no one to claim it,” he added.
Earlier also he has cremated bodies of patients and till date the number stands at 1200. “I get lot of satisfaction by helping the needy. It helps me live. I feel unhappy if I have missed out in helping a single cancer patient,” said Abhimanyu. Recently, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared Abhimanyu’s story over Twitter for his selfless service to humanity.