Visakhapatnam: Life will never be the same for promising 35-year-old doctor Balaji Bhusan Patnaik, the victim of a recent acid attack.
Doctors of Visakhapatnam and friends of the victims have launched a donation drive, for which they are spreading the word through WhatsApp and Facebook, to collect money to ensure that Dr Patnaik has access to the best treatment to save his vision.
Dr Balaji is a consultant paediatrician at the Seven Hills Hospital in the city. As a result of the attack, he has lost nearly 90 percent vision in one eye. He has suffered almost 80 to 90 per cent burns to his face and neck, for which he is undergoing treatment at Nair Hospital in Mumbai.
Dr Balaji has graduated from MKCG Medical College in Odisha and completed his MD in Paediatrics at SCB Medical College.
He has also completed courses in Paediatric and neonatal advanced life Support and is experienced in various sub-specialities of neonatology. He has been the recipient of a gold medal in Paediatrics at the post-graduate level.
Pradeep Kar, a former classmate of the victim, says, “He is in his early 30’s. Those men almost killed our friend before he could even begin his career. He was a bright student who never picked any quarrels during his MBBS. I don’t know why such a thing has happened to him. We are planning to approach the Union health minister.”
Dr Sujit Mohanty, a city based cardiologist, says that many people have come forward to offer help. “We do not know what the treatment costs will amount to and if he has any insurance coverage. People are donating generously. We are exploring all the possible ways to save his vision.”
“This donation drive is also an example of how we can come together and help someone in need. We may not be able to bring his life back to normal, but we can definitely provide financial assistance for his treatment,” he added.
People are being urged to donate whatever they can by making a deposit to the victim’s account.
The details of the account are: Balaji Bhusan Patnaik, State Bank of India, Kohinoor - Visakha, Beach Road, account number: 35893551279, IFSC code: SBIN0015380.
