Bill Gates’ Hero: The Man Who Runs India’s Last Polio Ward

#FITNews: Bill Gates recognised Dr Matthew Verghese as his real life hero for his work with polio patients

Dr Matthew Verghese has been recognised by Bill Gates for his exemplary work with polio patients.

Dr Matthew Verghese is a hero to the likes of Bill Gates. An orthopedic surgeon by profession, he runs India’s last ward for polio patients at New Delhi’s St Stephen’s Hospital.

Recently, Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates wrote about him in his blog called GatesNotes. He called the good doctor one of the five people in the world he considers a real life hero, according to the Times of India.

Since January 2011, there have been zero new cases of polio recorded in Delhi. But for those who were diagnosed earlier, Dr Verghese is their saviour, taking care of reconstructive surgeries, medicine and treatment.

Elimination of polio from India in 2011 was one of our greatest medical achievements. Dr Verghese says he looks forward to a time he doesn’t have to see any patient at all.

Always humble, Dr Verghese, in his trademark style, brushes off the honour. In a quote to TOI he said,

The recognition doesn’t make a difference to what I do. But yes, I hope that it will inspire more doctors and the youth to take up the cause of assisting in the rehabilitation of polio patients.

Dr Matthew Verghese, Orthopedic Surgeon, St Stephen’s Hospital

Polio, caused by wild polio virus is highly infectious and can leave patients permanently paralysed.

In 2015, India introduced an Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV) in its routine immunisation programme. In 2014, India had received a a polio-free certificate from the World Health Organisation (WHO) after a two year wait.

(With inputs from Times of India)