IGMC rheumatologist Dr Vikas Sharma who runs OPD from 7 am to 11 pm, does spiritual healing too via Gita
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Attends patients through appointments, interacts with them on social media
MANDI: Dr Vikas Sharma, probably the sole rheumatologist serving in the government sector in Himachal Pradesh, has become a beacon of hope for lakhs of patients due to his dedication to the medical profession and his innovative approach.
Serving at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Shimla, Dr Sharma’s commitment to patient care has garnered widespread admiration.
Serving in Room No. 710 of the New OPD Block, Dr Sharma is renowned for his meticulous, patient-friendly approach. He goes the extra mile to ensure that each patient is well-informed, personally documenting and displaying essential information at the OPD entrance.
Additionally, he uses social media to offer guidance, making healthcare more accessible to a broader audience.
A hallmark of Dr Sharma’s practice is his organised scheduling system, which sees patients according to their appointments. This method reduces crowding and ensures timely attention, especially benefiting those travelling from remote districts by minimising waiting time and the burden of long journeys.
In a unique show of compassion, Dr Sharma provides his personal WhatsApp number to patients, allowing them to share medical reports digitally. He reviews these reports and offers tailored advice and treatment plans, reflecting his deep commitment to patient care. With direct connections to over a thousand patients, he offers his services freely, not only during official hours but at any time of the day. Follow-up care is also provided according to a schedule shared on his Facebook page.
Dr Sharma’s dedication is evident in his long working hours, often starting his OPD at 7 am and continuing until 11 pm. This unwavering commitment ensures that even the most distant patients receive the care they need without unnecessary travel.
Born in Joh village of Una, Dr Sharma’s journey began in government schools at Khatnol in Shimla, then at Sainik School in Sujanpur and Dayanand Public School, Shimla. He completed his MBBS at the IGMC, post-graduated from the PGI-Chandigarh and further specialised in DM (rheumatology) from the PGI.
In an interview with TNR, Dr Sharma shared that his passion for helping the poor and needy was ingrained from a young age. Upon joining the government service in 2008, he dedicated himself to serving the weaker sections of society 24×7.
A devoted follower of Lord Krishna, Dr Sharma believes in the power of the Bhagavad Gita for psychotherapy, helping his patients heal mentally and physically. He conducts online Gita sermons four days a week — Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday — via Facebook, integrating his spiritual beliefs into his medical practice.
Dr Sharma’s guiding philosophy is rooted in a verse from the Gita: “One has the right to perform their expected duty but not the right to the fruits of action. One should not consider oneself as the doer of action nor should one attach oneself to inaction.”
“He is more than just a doctor; he is a guardian angel in the healthcare system. We extend our heartfelt prayers for his continued health and happiness, recognising his tireless service and dedication to his patients,” is a common phrase often quoted to by all his patients.
Dr Sharma owes his success to ward boy Amandeep wholeheartedly. “Whatever I have been able to achieve is all due to this boy who has been rendering his services selflessly for the past four years, working four to six hours extra daily with me,” he says.
The doctor also did not forget to mention that right from the IGMC Principal, Medical Superintendent and the HOD (medicines), all doctors and staff of IGMC have supported him in his cause.
