DMCH doc saves 4-yr-old; sets surgical milestone, raises money for procedure

In a remarkable blend of surgical precision and human compassion, Dr Anubhav Sharma, consultant (orthopaedics) at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), gave a four-year-old boy not just a new lease on life, but a renewed sense of hope. The child, diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma—a rare and aggressive bone cancer—underwent a complex limb-sparing surgery around the ankle (distal fibula), a procedure never before performed at the DMCH.

What makes the achievement extraordinary is not just the technical difficulty of the surgery, but the spirit in which it was carried out. The young patient belonged to an economically disadvantaged family, which was unable to afford the cost of such an advanced procedure. Recognising the urgency and gravity of the case, Dr Sharma went beyond his clinical duties and personally mobilised financial support for the child’s treatment to ensure that money would not stand in the way of survival.

“This is not just a surgical milestone—it’s a story of humanity in action,” said Dr GS Wander, Principal of DMCH, who praised Dr Sharma’s pioneering spirit and his commitment to compassionate care. “It’s rare to see a doctor who not only treats but also uplifts. His gesture is a reminder of what medicine truly stands for,” added Dr Wander.

The surgery itself was a delicate and high-risk endeavour, aimed at removing the cancer while preserving the child’s limb. In paediatric cases, such precision demands not only advanced skill but also deep emotional sensitivity. The successful outcome has given the child a chance at full recovery and a normal life—a possibility that once seemed out of reach.

Speaking after the procedure, Dr Sharma reflected on the deeper meaning of his work: “Medicine is not just about knowledge and skill, but also compassion, empathy and human values. Every child deserves a chance, and I’m glad we could make it happen here at DMCH.”

In an era where healthcare is often reduced to numbers and protocols, stories like this remind us that healing is as much about the heart as it is about hands. Dr Sharma’s act of generosity and surgical excellence stands as a powerful testament to the kind of doctor every community hopes for—one who cares deeply, acts boldly and never forgets the human being behind the diagnosis, added Bipin Gupta, secretary, DMCH Managing Society.

Ludhiana