Dr Subrat Acharya. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Hailing from remote Nilagiri in Balasore district, renowned gastroenterologist Dr Subrat Acharya has scaled great heights in his field. From being the former president of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology to the head of gastroenterology department at AIIMS, New Delhi, Acharya’s journey of success includes relentless hard work and great academic and organisational skills. The 60-year-old hepatologist was in the city for a brief period when he spoke to The Telegraph about his love for Orissa and his dreams and visions for the state.

An expert health professional for more than three decades, where do you think Orissa stands when it comes to health facilities?

There have been many improvements over the years in Orissa. But even in a country like the USA, where they spend more than $1,400 on health per person, there is always scope for further improvement and development. In Orissa too, there is always a need of continuous development in the field of health. I feel there has to be more information and awareness among people to ensure better health conditions in the state. We have some very good institutes, such as SCB Medical College, Cuttack, and MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, where I completed my medical degree. But, we need some more public sector health institutes with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Now that an AIIMS-like medical institutes are coming up in Bhubaneswar and other cities such as Patna, Ranchi, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Rishikesh and Raipur, how do you think it will change the scenario in healthcare sector?

AIIMS, New Delhi, caters to patients from all over the country and abroad. The regional set-ups have been planned on similar lines and will definitely provide the best facilities. I always believe in ‘local solution to local problem in indigenous and cost effective way’. This is exactly how the AIIMS branches will help.

You grew up in a village in Balasore as a school student. During your visits to the state now, what changes do you observe?

The state has changed a lot. Bhubaneswar was a completely different city during my student days at SCB Medical College, Cuttack. Now, there are high-rise buildings and wide roads. Of course, the potholes too are all over the roads! (smiles).

Living in New Delhi, how have you been able to keep alive Orissa in your lifestyle?

I’m an Oriya to the core. So is my family. At home, we speak Oriya. At AIIMS, there are many Oriya doctors. Coming from a coastal village, my staple diet is rice, fish and santula.

What are your dreams and vision for Orissa?

Our people have tremendous potential and a sharp mind. Moreover, Oriyas are warm and affectionate. We have plenty of natural resources that can be used to develop our state. I see many people working towards the goal of a better Orissa.

Do you have any plans to come back and settle in Orissa?

My family and my in-laws belong to Orissa. I have to come back here. How sooner or longer, I cannot predict. But that plan has always been there. Of course, it all depends on God’s plans.