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Dr. Balbir Singh Bhaura a known eye
surgeon and his wife Dr. Pushpinder Kaur also a senior ophthalmologist
both directors of an eye hospital of Jalandhar are really an innovative
couple.
Dr. Balbir Singh Bhaura an eye
surgeon of a class apart, is an energetic and daring surgeon and a
wonderful human being. He tries out innovative techniques to improve his
surgery and patient care. He was firstr to start cataract operations
without any injection, stitches and bandage so that the patient is
rehabilitated at the earliest. Dr. Bhaura has surprised ophthalmologists
by performing operations without the aid of anaesthesia.
He reveals that once at Sri Ganga
Nagar a patient named Malda Ram with cataract in both eyes approached him
with the complaint that no doctor was prepared to operate his eyes as he
was allergic to all anaesthetic agents. Dr. Bhaura agreed to operate
provided the patient cooperated. While the surgery was being done the
patient was given impression that it was the preparation for operation.
The surgery was wonderfully successful. Every thing went well except after
the surgery the patient could not stop tears trickle down his cheeks
"Because doctor sahib I see faces of my family after 12 years," said Malda
Ram. Dr. Bhaura tells it was a wonderful experience of satisfaction.
Thereafter there was no looking back and by now he has been able to
perform thousands of operations without anaesthesia.
Bhaura regrets that people do not
liberally come up to donate eyes. Near and dear ones of the dead prefer
consigning the eye to flames rather than seeing them still alive, bring
joy and precious sight in the dark world of someone. He himself set an
example by donating the eyes of his dear mother.
The inherent qualities of leadership
are quite apparent in Bhaura's various pursuits. He had been founder
organising secretary of Punjab Ophthalmology Society and he has also the
founder member of Jalandhar Ophalmology Society.
Not only the field of Ophthal-mology
Bhaura is associated with a lot more organisations as well. 'Dharat
Suhavi' [Obliging Earth] is one such organisation which is engaged in
environmental improvement. One of his project in association with Sant
Balbir Singh Sichewal is the cleansing of 'Vein' the rivulet of Sultanpur
Lodhi where Guru Nanak got spiritual enlightenment.
A true Sikh and a wonderful human
being he feels that the preaching of religion of Guru Nanak is not at all
satisfactory. It is really surprising to note that despite his very tight
schedule he manages some hours for this noble cause. He organises
missionary gatherings.
He regularly organises free eye
operation camps throughout the year while in the month of March every year
it is free surgery dedicated to his father.
Bhaura is an ardent animal lover
too. At his farm he has a flight of ducks and pigeons. When the Doctor
arrives at the farm, it becomes a spectacular scene; the birds and dogs
run in a competitive way to welcome their master first and make funny
noises.
Bhaura believes in commitment to
sustained pursuit of research. It is the result of Bhaura's approach that
his research papers continue to be published in Ophthalmology journals.
Bhaura has represented India at various international conferences of
ophthalmology. His participation was especially noted at the one held in
Islamabad.
Last year again he hit the Pakistan
news headlines when he demonstrated his unique techniques before a mamoth
gathering (300) of Pakistan opthalmologists in Quetta.
Dr. Bhaura and his wife Dr.
Pushpinder Kaur both senior practising eye surgeons were invited to
present their papers in the International Eye Conference at Quetta.
He is a dedicated surgeon and
believes in excelling what ever he does. His endeavour is to acquire the
latest in the field of ophthalmology. He is the first surgeon in North
India to perform cataract surgery with Phakonit using Rollable lenses
through one mm incision. His theatre is one of the well equipped in the
region. He is first to import Muller Wieler's most advanced microscope in
India.
When we had gone to interview this
dynamic surgeon we were surprised to note that Akal Hospital was imparting
education to foreigner opthalmologists too. A lady doctor from Indonesia
greeted us with a broad smile.
Dr. Balbir Singh Bhaura is in fact
the true son of that great Akali leader hon'ble Singh Sahib Giani Sadhu
Singh Bhaura, who was Jathedar of the supreme Sikh institution the Akal
Takhat from 1964 to 1980.
---by B.S.Goraya |
