Introduction

Dr. Gulabrao Manikrao Patil, born on 8 June 1949 was raised by his grandfather and father till age of 10 yrs. After that he changed many places in order to fulfil his dream of studying. He used to work part time in the farms or do household chores just to get shelter and food. He took a break from studies for a year or two as and when necessary to earn and provide his share for the family. Family background being of farming, it was very difficult to afford day to day necessities also like slippers or clothes. In 1960 he got admission in Shivaji Shikshan Prasarak Mandal which was started by Karamvir Dr. Mamasaheb Jagdale in 1947 for the poor. He won National Scholarship in 11th std. but he chose to take student loan because of need for money at home. During his stay at Shivaji Shikshan Prasarak Mandal between 1960-68, he became very close to Dr. Jagdale mama. Looking at the situation of farmers and the paucity and hardship around him, he decided he had to get out of the circle and do something different. That’s how the dream of becoming a doctor was strengthened. He got admission in Government Medical College, Miraj in 1968 for MBBS. Due to the close relationship with Dr. Jagdale Mama, on his need for medical care, Dr. G.M. Patil got him admitted in Wanless Hospital, Miraj which was attached to GMC, Miraj at that time. Wanless Hospital, Miraj Medical center (WHMMC) is a century old missionary, charitable hospital situated in Miraj India, providing secondary and tertiary health care, which was started by a young Canadian missionary Dr. William Wanless with his wife, Mary. Seeing what great establishment foreigners have done for the poor and needy in the rustic town of Miraj, Dr. Jagadale Mama, conceived his idea for setting up healthcare for the needy. There Dr. G.M. Patil swore to serve him to fulfill his dream.

Dr. Meenakshi Patil, daughter of freedom fighter from Sangli, the first female doctor from Shantiniketan School, Sangli, got admission in GMC, Miraj in 1972. Dr. G.M. Patil and Dr. M.G. Patil got married in 1977. After completion of his post-graduation and her graduation, they came back to Barshi and started working towards Dr. Jadale Mama’s dream to set up a medical centre.

After 10 years of hard-work and sleepless nights, Dr. G.M. Patil and Dr. M.G. Patil started “Shraddha Hospital” on 12th march 1986. It’s a 30 bedded hospital providing affordable care to the needy in the fields of medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology. In the tenure of last 40 years, ‘n’ no of patients have been treated. Since this year, the hospital has branched out as a multispecialty hospital on its own and has included 10 other specialists and multispecialty doctors under its wing increasing the level of patient care and service.

Dr. G.M. Patil is known for treatment with the simplest and affordable drugs. Dr. M.G. Patil is known for doing difficult vaginal deliveries which is a rare talent in modern medicine. She is one of the few who has the skill and knowledge to do breech deliveries in the modern era.