Prayagraj: As the medical fraternity is celebrated on Doctors’ Day for its commitment to saving lives, several doctors in Prayagraj stand out for transforming compassion into a lifelong mission. For them, medicine is not merely a profession but a calling that transcends personal grief, age and financial considerations.Former principal of Motilal Nehru Medical College and senior surgeon at Manohar Das Eye Hospital, 67-year-old Dr SP Singh, continues to set benchmarks in cataract surgery. On Dec 28, 2021, he successfully performed cataract surgeries on 250 patients within 12 hours, a remarkable feat that reflected both his expertise and commitment. In 2022, he performed 107 cataract surgeries using the phacoemulsification technique in a single day. Earlier, in 2002, he entered the Limca Book of Records after operating on 89 eye patients in one day.Having begun performing eye surgeries in 1990, Dr Singh has now conducted more than one lakh successful operations. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, Uttar Pradesh govt honoured him as the state’s Best Eye Surgeon in 2005.He continues to examine more than 50 patients every day, maintaining that there is no greater satisfaction than serving those in need.Another remarkable story of dedication is that of renowned homeopathy physician Dr SM Singh, who has kept alive a 35-year-old tradition of providing free medical consultation every Sunday from his clinic at Gorge Town. His commitment was tested in the most painful circumstances when his younger son, Dr Rahul Singh, who served as an additional chief medical officer (ACMO), passed away due to a heart attack on Aug 22, 2025.Just three days after suffering the devastating personal loss, Dr SM Singh resumed his weekly free outpatient clinic as scheduled. Many patients, upon learning about his bereavement, chose to leave without consultation. However, Dr Singh persuaded them to stay, telling them that treating the needy would be the truest tribute to his son. His decision has since become a symbol of extraordinary professional commitment and human compassion.Equally inspiring is Dr Mansoor Alam, a physician from Alawalpur village who runs a hospital at Block Bazaar in Mauaima. He established a healthcare facility with a simple objective — to ensure that no poor patient is denied treatment because of financial constraints. Every morning, patients queue outside his hospital that does not charge any consultation fee. For common ailments such as fever, cold and cough, patients often recover with medicines costing only Rs 40 to Rs 50.“Many poor patients are unable to access treatment at bigger hospitals, but here affordability and accessibility remain the guiding principles,” said Dr Alam.
