For the needy, this Ajmer doctor is godsent

AJMER: One of the worst-hit by the lockdown are needy people who also require medical attention. With limited means and restricted movement, medical care is a luxury for them. But this 48-year-old doctor from Ajmer, who has taken up the cause to provide free treatment to such people, has given the downtrodden hope.
A resident of Dholabhata and a private practitioner, Dr GS Bundela goes from door-to-door treating patients daily.He starts his visits at 6 am and returns home after 9 pm. During these hours, he visits the homes of at least 40 needy patients, providing treatment and giving medicines for free.
The day he becomes free early, he sees patients under a tree outside his house, properly following the norms of social distancing. “There are times when I receive calls at midnight and I have to rush. Most of the times, they turn out to be panic attacks but in some case, like one on April 5, the patient was suffering from kidney-related problems and had to be referred to a hospital. I help patients with the formalities as hospital visits are not easy these days,” said Bundela, who uses his two wheeler to go on the visits.
He regularly visits areas like Nagara, Jhalkari Nagar, Gujjar ki dharti, Sunhari Colony and others which have a substantial population of daily wagers.
“Most of the people, including children, in these localities are malnourished and therefore it is very important to treat them early to maintain immunity,” said Bundela.
He has a stock of regular medicines, vitamins and anti-depressants, which he distributes among the patients. That apart he keeps packets of flour and vegetables for distribution among the poor. While on his rounds, he often stops to talk to policemen on duty, inquiring about their health and if they needed medications.
“I started on my own, but now there are several people helping me. The local chemists in my area provide me with medicines for patients while the local elected representatives have been helping me with ration distribution,” said Bundela, who also makes paid-visits to the homes of his regular patients.
“I come from a humble background and know the struggles of a lower middle-class family. I cannot turn a blind eye to the needy at such a situation,” he added.
His wife Sarla Mahawar is a professor of biochemistry at JLN Medical College and goes to work daily. As both remain out to serve during the lockdown, they maintain a safe distance from their two children after returning home. “It is really hard to keep away from children but we need to. Precaution is the only cure,” said Bundela.