Bhubaneswar: The unselfish service of a doctor to mankind has inspired the Odisha government to institute an award after Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das to recognise dedicated, selfless and exemplary service in healthcare sector.

Dr. Omkar Hota who won much applause for his dedication in providing health service in remote Malkangiri village last week was felicitated at state secretariat by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today.

During the occasion, Chief Minister announced to institute an award after Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das to recognise dedicated, selfless and exemplary service in healthcare sector.

“Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das is a symbol of sacrifice and selfless service. In his memory, Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das award for dedicated selfless service shall be awarded in the health sector from this year,” Naveen Patnaik announced here today.

I had never thought that my work will come to the limelight and I will be felicitated by Chief Minister. I am feeling proud and won’t forget this for the rest of my life,” an elated Dr Hota expressed.

Health Minister Pratap Jena, Health Secretary Dr Pramod Kumar Meherda, Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

Worth mentioning, 31-year-old doctor walked almost 8 km on foot from Sarigeta village in Malkangiri district shouldering a woman on cot as she needed medical attention after delivering a baby. The young doctor made the delivery possible without any proper set up. However, the woman, Subham Marse, bled profusely for which she was to be shifted to a nearby healthcare facility.

The doctor and the patient’s family members trekked for three hours carrying the woman in pain on a cot through unmotorable roads to reach the nearest Public Health Centre (PHC) at Papulur.

For his immense dedication, Hota was awarded as best doctor of the district at the Independence Day celebration on August 15 this year.