Berhampur, Odisha, December 2, 2025: Dr. K. Lakshmi Bai, a retired professor of gynecology at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, has donated Rs 3.4 crore, which is her entire life savings, to AIIMS Bhubaneswar. She will celebrate her 99th birthday on December 5, 2025.
In addition to this remarkable contribution, she has also donated Rs 3 lakh to the Berhampur Obstetrics and Gynecology Society for adolescent vaccination drives aimed at preventing cancer among women.
Born on December 5, 1926, in Berhampur, Dr. Lakshmi Bai studied at SCB Medical College, Cuttack, as part of its first-ever MBBS batch (1945 to 1950). She later completed her DGO (Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology) and MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Madras Medical College in 1958.
Her medical career began at Odisha’s Sundargarh District Hospital in 1950. She retired from MKCG Medical College and Hospital in 1986 after more than three decades of distinguished service.
Dr. Lakshmi Bai was felicitated by then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for being the first doctor to train in laparoscopic surgery for family planning in the United Kingdom. After returning to India, she went on to conduct hundreds of surgeries using this advanced technique.
Over the decades, she treated thousands of women, assisted countless mothers in safe deliveries, and provided free care to the poor and helpless. Today, at 98, she continues to live a modest life in Bhabanagar, Berhampur.
Speaking to The Times of India, Dr. Lakshmi Bai said that during her practice she met numerous women suffering from cancer, many of whom died due to the lack of proper treatment. “I wish the amount is utilized for the benefit of such poor and helpless women,” she said.
All formal documentation of the donation has already been completed. “The fund must be used exclusively for women’s cancer treatment and care. It is not a donation, but the continuation of my life’s mission, even after I cease to live,” she added.
“We appreciate the kind gesture of Dr. Lakshmi Bai for the noble cause,” said Dr. Saubhagya Kumar Jena, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, in an appreciation letter issued after receiving the cheque on Friday.
Her former students, senior gynecologists Dr. P. Bharati and Dr. Bharati Mishra, who are helping coordinate the process, said her gesture reflects extraordinary compassion and will inspire many.
“We will chalk out a plan in discussion with members for the proper utilization of the Rs 3 lakh she donated for cancer vaccination of adolescent girls,” said Indira Pal, secretary of the Berhampur Obstetrics and Gynecology Society.
On December 5, during her 99th birthday celebration, Dr. Lakshmi Bai will formally hand over the donation to AIIMS. AIIMS doctors are expected to attend a function scheduled at her residence in Bhabanagar, which is being organized by some of her former students. “The doctors will then disclose their plan for utilizing the money,” said Dr. P. Bharati.
(Rh/VK)
