01-07-2025
‘We all lead strenuous lives. But we need to stop, just for a while, and listen to our bodies': Dr Rani Bang's appeal on Doctors' Day
July 1 is Doctors' Day. On the occasion, Dr Rani Bang, a Padma Shri awardee known for her exceptional contributions to public health in Maharashtra's tribal district of Gadchiroli, reflected on a life-altering experience she had two years ago—she suffered a severe brain stroke that left the right side of her body paralysed.
Dr Bang was unconscious for a week, and her family feared the worst— but against the odds, she made a remarkable recovery. As Dr Bang turns 75 this September, the eminent doctor appealed to doctors to take care of their own health. 'We all lead strenuous lives. But we need to stop—just for a while—and listen to our bodies,' Dr Bang told The Indian Express.
A brain stroke on November 14, 2022, forced her to take a break from her outpatient services. She received emergency care in Nagpur for three weeks, followed by an intensive rehabilitation programme in Mumbai. She continues her physiotherapy at Maa Danteshwari Hospital, run by SEARCH (Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health) in Chatgaon village, Gadchiroli.
However, within just two months of her illness, Dr Bang resumed her OPD services in January 2024. Every day, she arrives at the hospital exactly at 11 am, assisted by a nurse, and attends her OPD, where Dr Bang typically sees around 30 patients daily, working until 3 pm. She prefers to have her physiotherapy sessions and lunch in the OPD to avoid interruptions and politely declines all invitations during her OPD hours.
Her consultation room is lined with a collection of gynaecology books, which she continues to reference regularly. After returning home at 3 pm, she rests and later joins the evening prayer on the SEARCH campus at 6.40 pm, often being the last to leave. Dr Bang admits that the physical rehabilitation process has been of immense importance.
'I had put on a lot of weight and was so engrossed in my work that I neglected my health,' Dr Bang recalled while she made a strong case for exercise and nutrition.
Equally important is mental therapy. 'I would read medical books, talk to my patients, listen and understand them. The constant effort is to keep learning,' she said. 'All this keeps me mentally active and despite the challenges, I have decided to continue my medical practice.'
Dr Bang also exhorted doctors to provide medical care with honesty, sensitivity, and the highest ethical standards. 'In recent times, we have seen instances where doctors face anger and frustration from patients and their families. I believe the main reason for this is often a breakdown in communication on both sides. I understand that many doctors work in resource-constrained settings, but despite these challenges, it is our responsibility to provide medical care with honesty, sensitivity, and the highest ethical standards,' she said.
Dr Anand Bang, Joint Director of SEARCH and the elder son of Dr Abhay and Dr Rani Bang, said there was agreement in the family that she should continue her medical practice. 'She has always loved it. For the brain, it is important to remain engaged in intellectual and professional work. Despite some physical limitations, her routine life continues as it always has. She also participates in public programmes and remains involved in scientific work,' he added.
Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition.
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