All along, Michael Daube of New York State, United States, was passionately looking for an opportunity to serve people in a distant land which lacked the basic healthcare facilities.
Sometimes, he thought his dream destination could be an underdeveloped country in Africa or deprived land in Asia.
He moved around the world for quite some time in search of the destined land.
Finally, the journey met with success when he stumbled upon Juanga village under Niali block in Orissa’s Cuttack district. Juang, which until a few years ago, lacked good road connectivity and access to minimum healthcare facilities, has today a state-of-the art hospital today because of Michael’s efforts.
The hospital has a retired lady doctor and paramedical staff who work with missionary zeal and spirit to serve the poor.
According to Gobinda Chandra Lenka, the in-charge of the hospital, nearly 100 outdoor patients are visiting the place for availing basic healthcare facilities which were once dream for them. May it paediatric services or gynaecology care, or even minor yet life saving immediate surgeries, everything is available in the two-storey 50-bed hospital.
“Previously, the local people, most of whom are poor; used to visit quacks instead of taking the patients to the Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar or SCB Medical College, Cuttack. Sometimes, they would leave their sick relatives to their fate as they could not afford the transportation fares. Now, they are quite happy getting the minimum healthcare at their doorsteps,” says Mr Lenka.
Matching the mission and vision of Michael, the hospital has got a doctor with heart — Dr Kumuduni Mishra.
Ms Mishra, who recently retired from Orissa government service, has joined the hospital voluntarily.
“I’m a follower Baba Abhiram Saraswati, the man who told Michael to set up the hospital here. When I saw Baba giving all his support to Michael to build a this beautiful hospital, I thought I should contribute in my own way for this venture. Hence, I joined here to spend my post-retirement period among the rural people here,” says the doctor.
For Michael, the journey was not smooth and easy. As usual, initially there was opposition from the local people.
“The local family near the hospital, who has a stronghold on the community did not like the idea of free healthcare and job creation in the area. There were many attempts on our lives at this time. Hand-made bombs were placed on the roads and prices were raised for the selected land. We persevered and when the trust of the local people reached certain strength, we were no longer hassled,” informs Michael.
Baba Abhiram Saraswati, a Hindu seer, tells yet another story of hardship associated with hospital project.
“Since Michael hails from the United States and a Christian, local people suspected that the motive behind setting up the hospital could be attracting them towards Christianity. It took quite some time to convince them and finally they realised the truth and got themselves associated with the project,” says Saraswati.
Why did Michael think up setting up a hospital?
“Mark, my younger brother, has had cerebral palsy since birth and walking and talking were difficult for him to accomplish. My family and I spent a lot of time supporting his development and surprised all the doctors who said he would never walk…He did. Now, he has a regular job,” he observes, adding, that arduous phase in life prompted him to set up a hospital for people who do not have access to proper healthcare.