Solapur: In a heartening display of patriotism and social responsibility, Dr Pushkaraj Yadav from Barshi performed a critical surgery free of cost on an army jawan who had been urgently recalled to duty amidst rising tensions on the border.
Sandeep Galande, a native of Rastapur in Barshi taluka, had come home on a 15-day leave for his engagement ceremony scheduled on 7 May.
A technician in the Indian Army, Galande has been stationed in a high-risk, remote border area since his recruitment in November 2022.
However, shortly after the engagement, Galande began experiencing severe abdominal pain. Medical examinations revealed he was suffering from a kidney stone, requiring immediate surgical intervention.
Complicating matters further, Operation Sindoor, a military mobilisation, had been launched, and the government had revoked all leave for soldiers, ordering them back to duty.
Galande consulted Dr Pushkaraj Yadav at Yadav Hospital, Barshi. Upon diagnosis, the doctor advised an urgent Holmium Laser surgery.
Despite the soldier’s hesitation due to his call to duty, Dr Yadav reassured him, swiftly performed the surgery, and declared him fit to resume national service—without charging any fee for the expensive procedure.
“I could see his commitment to the country. It was an honour to treat a soldier who protects our borders. Serving him brought me a unique sense of satisfaction,” said Dr Yadav while speaking to mediapersons, whose selfless act is drawing praise across the community.
Immediate Surgery Necessary
Speaking with mediapersons about the experience, Jawan Sandeep Galande shared, “My leave was cancelled due to Operation Sindoor. I went to Dr Yadav for a check-up because I wanted to report back to duty fit. He diagnosed a kidney stone and said immediate surgery was necessary. He understood my situation and didn’t even charge for the operation.”
Medical procedures like this are typically only offered to army personnel at military hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, or Pune. As a result, army jawans rarely turn to private healthcare facilities.
However, in this rare instance, a private practitioner’s timely intervention ensured the soldier could return to duty without delay.
Dr Pushkaraj Yadav’s act has not only helped a soldier but has stood as a reminder of the collective duty civilians and professionals share in supporting national defence.
