Behind the Scene

From Mymensingh
Pradip Kar's Heart Beats for the Poor

Aminul Islam

There are still some people who do not hanker for wealth. They want to do something for society through their limited means. Prodip Chandra Kar is a doctor who was awarded the "Sheba Padak" by Sheba Niketon in Mymensingh for his selfless work.

Dr. Pradip Chandra Kar was born on January 12, 1955. Son of late Suresh Chandra Kar and Sreemati Nalini Bala Kar, Prodip Chandra did his SSC and HSC from the local Nasirabad School and Govt. Ananda Mohan College in 1970 and 1972 respectively. His results both in SSC and HSC encouraged him. Later he got admitted to Rangpur Medical College and did his MBBS in 1977. He also successfully obtained a fellowship from the College of General Practitioners', Bangladesh in 1997. He is one of two doctors from Mymensingh to have completed a certificate course on Diabetology conducted by the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh (DAB) in Dhaka.

After completing his education, he joined Rangpur Medical College as a medical officer in 1980. He also worked in Madan Upazila Health Complex in Netrokona, Phulbaria Upazila Health Complex in Mymensingh and at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital till 1984.

Dr. Kar got a job in Saudia Arabia in 1984 and continued his service there till 1996 under the Ministry of Health, Al-Baha. He was responsible for planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating services like maternal and child health care, nutrition services particularly for the pregnant mothers and children and many other duties.

After returning to Bangladesh, Dr. Kar joined the Community Based Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh (CBMCB) in 1997 and he still works there.

He sits at his chamber "Shebangan" at Durgabari Road in the afternoon and often stays there till late at night. He charges a low fee of Tk. 100 but sometimes sees patients for Tk. 50 or even for free. On average, there are about five patients per day who get checked free of charge.

One of Dr. Kar's future plans is to make available diabetic treatment for the people of Mymensingh, particularly those who cannot visit Dhaka for treatment.

The doctor has written articles on medicine and culture. Nine of his articles are said to have been published in The Practitioner, a journal from Holland. He has also obtained honors from different parts of the country.

The great grandson of the founder-king of Saudi Arabia sent a thank you letter with appreciation on the occasion of World Health Day for his excellent performance as team leader of the best health center in 1989. He won the prize for "Best Article Writer" for his scientific writing in the medical journal of Holland among the Middle Eastern Doctors in 1994. Mymensingh Sheba Niketon also honored the doctor for his services rendered to society.

Pradip Kar is also associated with cultural organizations. He is the Vice-President of Udichi Mymensingh District Unit and District Co-Ordinator of Muktabatayan Pathchakra, a literary organization here. Under his guidance many cultural events take place in the district town. He has also been working to revitalize the cultural scene of the Mymensingh area that includes Mymensingh, Netrokona, Kishoreganj, Sherpur, Jamalpur and Tangail districts.

Blessed with a son and a daughter, Dhruba Jyoti Kar and Devjani Kar, Dr. Pradip Kar passes his days happily with his beloved wife Sutapa Kar. He hopes to continue in his path of giving medical attention to people, many of who are unable to pay.

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