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Source: ETV Bharat
Dr K Laxmi Bai, a 100-year-old retired gynaecologist from Odisha, has donated ₹3.4 crore to AIIMS Bhubaneswar to develop cancer care for women. The hospital stated that this is one of the largest individual contributions made to support oncology services at the institute.
The funds will be used to strengthen screening units and diagnostic facilities for gynaecological cancers. These include cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and other conditions that affect women.
Cancer Care Support At AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Dr Laxmi Bai contributed shortly before her 100th birthday on December 5. According to hospital officials, the funds will support efforts to improve early detection and treatment.
The donation will also help the institute upgrade clinical infrastructure and laboratory systems. Training programmes for doctors and other medical staff working in gynaecology and oncology will gain additional support.
AIIMS plans to use the contribution to strengthen services that can assist women who need timely screening and reliable medical intervention.
Who Is Dr Laxmi Bai?
Dr Laxmi Bai was born on 5 December 1926. She completed her early studies in Odisha and later joined the first MBBS batch at SCB Medical College in Cuttack.
She graduated in 1950 at a time when very few women in the state entered medical education. After completing her degree, she moved to Madras Medical College for further training.
She completed DGO and then MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1958. Her academic work earned her a one-year stipend for training at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, United States.
There, she studied public health and observed clinical practices in maternal and reproductive healthcare. The experience added to her medical training and strengthened her understanding of organised health systems.
Her Long Medical Career And Training Background
Her medical career began in 1950 at the Government Hospital in Sundargarh. At that time, the district had limited health facilities and required qualified specialists.
She worked in maternal health services and provided treatment and clinical support to women in the region. She continued her work in government service when she moved to MKCG Medical College in Berhampur.
She worked there for many years and held both clinical and teaching roles. She trained several batches of MBBS and postgraduate students during her service.
Records from the college show that she retired as Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1986. Her service spanned more than three decades across different regions within the state.
Dr Laxmi Bai received many recognitions during her career. These include the Lady Eminence of South Odisha Award, the Bharat Jyoti Award, the International Friendship Society Award and the Best Citizen of India Award.
These awards were given for her long years of service in government medical institutions and for her contributions to teaching and clinical care.
Her career involved work in districts that needed trained specialists and in medical colleges that provided training to future doctors.
AIIMS Bhubaneswar said the donation comes at a time when the number of women seeking gynaecological cancer treatment is increasing. According to the institute, many patients approach hospitals when the disease has reached an advanced stage.
The hospital stated that early screening and timely diagnosis can improve the chances of effective treatment. The funds given by Dr Laxmi Bai will support the expansion of outpatient clinics that focus on cancer screening.
The hospital also plans to upgrade laboratory units and include additional diagnostic tools that can help identify cancer at earlier stages. Training modules will be created for doctors, nurses, and technicians who work with cancer patients.
Dr Laxmi Bai spent many decades in the field of women's health. Her donation will support the development of a structured programme at AIIMS Bhubaneswar for the treatment and management of gynaecological cancers.
The hospital stated that the funds will help it strengthen clinical services and develop training systems for healthcare providers who work in oncology.