Senior general surgeon Dr Vishwas Sapatnekar has been the lifeline for poor and tribal communities across Palghar and Thane districts for over three decades — delivering medical care to those with little or no access to healthcare. At an age when many are enjoying a retired life with their families, Sapatnekar (78) continues to wear multiple hats with quiet distinction — he is a surgeon, humanitarian, diver, teacher and tireless volunteer.An alumnus of the Armed Forces Medical College, Sapatnekar pursued medical practice in London after completing his education. He returned to India in 1982 and established a hospital in Thane, which became the base for his lifelong commitment to serving the underprivileged.In 1993, Sapatnekar — a highly trained scuba diver — assisted security agencies and played a crucial role in a high-risk operation to retrieve RDX dumped by terrorists in the Thane creek. “I ran a scuba diving centre and was a trained and experienced diver myself. I volunteered. That one step was a game changer, as more divers joined in and we managed to extract a very large quantity of RDX from the creek.”Sapatnekar has also been a familiar presence during the annual Pandharpur wari for four decades. He and his team provide medical aid to thousands of warkaris undertaking the arduous pilgrimage on foot. “Treating warkaris is the most satisfying service of my life. It feels no less than serving Lord Vitthal.”Meanwhile, his work among tribal communities in Thane and Palghar stands as one of his most enduring legacies. Recalling early years, he said the challenges were immense. “Forty years ago, there were no roads, electricity or basic services. Tribals were hesitant to take medicines. We had to create awareness and win their confidence. Gradually, they began to trust us.”“We used to sit on rocks and treat patients. Sometimes saline bottles were hung from trees under the open sky in Devband village of Palghar,” he said.Today, the same village has a small clinic, and patients in need of specialised care are referred to his hospital in Thane. “What mattered most was that we reached out to tribal communities when no one was ready to work for them. Sustaining that service for over three decades was the biggest and the most rewarding challenge,” he said.Working in difficult conditions has always defined his journey. Sapatnekar served in conflict-ridden South Sudan twice for six months during 2014–2016 as a member of Doctors Without Borders. He treated some of the world’s poorest patients amid violence and instability.“Once, while returning from work, our vehicle was stopped. The rebel group members demanded a hefty ransom. I met their chief a few hours later and gave my credentials. I explained I was serving his country’s poor and we were allowed to go.”Sapatnekar regularly holds addresses at medical colleges and in social forums, urging young doctors to look beyond lucrative urban practice and acknowledge their responsibility towards marginalised communities.“Medicine is not about surgery or diagnosis for me. It is about standing by people when they are at their most vulnerable,” said Sapatnekar. He continues to work quietly, consistently, and with unwavering compassion.
