Dr. Bhakti Yadav, Indore’s first woman MBBS graduate, dedicated her life to treating patients for free, a practice she began in 1948. Even at the age of 91, when most people have long retired, she continued to serve her patients without charging a fee. In year of 2017, she was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award, recognizing her decades of compassionate and selfless medical care. Known for her warm and affectionate approach, Dr. Yadav was a source of hope and healing for countless individuals.

Dr. Yadav’s journey began in Indore, where she completed her schooling while living with her uncle. She became the first female doctor in the city after graduating from MGM Medical College in 1948, where she was the only woman in her batch. Rejecting an initial job offer at a government hospital, she chose to join Nandlal Bhandari Maternity Home, where she focused on treating the wives of poor cloth mill workers.

After leading the maternity home for several decades, she opened her own nursing home, Vatsalya, in the Pardeshipura area of Indore. Over her 68-year career, Dr. Yadav delivered thousands of babies, often without charging the mothers, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. She believed in treating her patients with a personal touch, considering them like her own children. This deep compassion, she said, made her feel alive and was something she believed many modern doctors lacked.

Despite her advanced age, Dr. Yadav continued her mission of helping others, with the hope of serving until her last breath. Sadly, in 2017, she passed away due to illness and age-related factors, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service and compassion.

Her life’s work stands as a shining example of dedication, not only to the medical profession but also to humanity. Dr. Bhakti Yadav will be remembered as a true gem, whose contributions to healthcare and her community remain unparalleled.

Source / Image Credit : The One India