"A Surgeon’s Dilemma: Faith vs. Protocol"

That evening, as I sat alone, the weight of my decision pressed down on me. I had told Puni to get admitted. I had chosen to take on the impossible. But now, reality loomed before me—how would I arrange everything? The surgery was not just complicated; it was expensive. Medicines, IV fluids, sutures, anesthesia, blood—where would it all come from?

I couldn’t turn back now.

I picked up the phone and called Dr. S. M. Dash, our senior and most trusted anesthetist. If there was one person who could grasp the gravity of what I was about to do, it was her.

The moment I finished telling Puni’s story, there was silence on the other end. Then, without hesitation, she said, "I’m in. I won’t charge a single rupee."

Relief washed over me. But she wasn’t done.

"Biswajit, what’s your plan?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "How are you going to do this without financial support? How will you arrange for medicines, IV fluids, and blood? And most importantly, how can you attempt a surgery in a single sitting when it’s supposed to be done in multiple stages?"

I closed my eyes, gathering my thoughts. The logical, textbook approach dictated that this surgery should be done step by step—separation of the damaged intestine first, followed by gradual reconstruction over months. But logic had no place in Puni’s life. She had fought alone for five years. She had survived against all odds. And now, she had placed her unwavering faith in me.

"Madam," I said firmly, "I don’t have a choice. I will do it in one sitting—separation and closure at the same time. Because this girl hasn’t come here for another fight. She has come here to win. And I have no intention of letting her down."

Dr. Das exhaled sharply. There was no further argument. She understood.

This was no longer just a medical procedure.

It was a battle.

And I was ready to fight!

To be continued………..

Read tomorrow what happened next...

Dr Biswajit Mohapatra