The Vidarbha region of Maharashtra has produced several doctors whose contributions to medicine and public health have been recognised far beyond India. Their work spans rural health innovations, tribal healthcare, women’s health, ophthalmology, and surgical care. Each of them has brought international recognition to the region by addressing pressing health challenges with dedication and innovation.

Their achievements are reflected in global health policies, prestigious awards, and medical training programmes that continue to benefit people worldwide. The stories of these doctors highlight Vidarbha’s important role in shaping modern healthcare.

1. Dr Abhay Bang

Dr Abhay Bang, a community health physician, is widely respected for his pioneering work in rural medicine. Along with his wife, he co-founded the Society for Education, Action and Research in Community Health (SEARCH) in Gadchiroli in 1986. His most influential contribution has been the Home-Based Newborn Care (HBNC) model, developed after observing the high rates of infant mortality in remote villages. The model trained local women to provide essential newborn care, drastically reducing mortality rates in trial villages.

His research on HBNC was published in The Lancet in 1999 and became a turning point in global health discourse. International organisations such as WHO and UNICEF drew from his findings to recommend community-based neonatal care worldwide. Over time, his work influenced national health programmes across Asia and Africa.

Recognition for his contribution includes multiple awards in India and abroad. Dr Abhay Bang’s methods remain a reference point for addressing infant health in resource-poor settings, and his research continues to be cited globally.

2. Dr Rani Bang

Dr Rani Bang, a gynaecologist and public health researcher, has been a central figure in advancing women’s health in tribal and rural areas. At SEARCH, she led pathbreaking studies on gynaecological disorders among rural women in Gadchiroli. Her research revealed a high prevalence of untreated reproductive tract infections, challenging mainstream assumptions about rural women’s health priorities. This led to significant discussions in global health circles about reproductive health in underserved populations.

Her findings were published in leading medical journals and have influenced reproductive health policies both in India and internationally. Beyond research, Dr Rani Bang established health programmes for women that combined medical care with awareness initiatives. She also worked extensively on alcohol-related health problems in rural Vidarbha, co-authoring studies that exposed the social and medical consequences of addiction. Global health forums and academic institutions continue to cite her work as a model for integrating medical research with community engagement.

3. Dr Prakash Amte

Dr Prakash Amte, a surgeon by training, is known internationally for his extraordinary service to tribal communities in Hemalkasa, Gadchiroli. He co-founded the Lok Biradari Prakalp along with his wife, Dr Mandakini Amte, under the guidance of his father, Baba Amte, in the 1970s. In an area lacking even basic infrastructure, he performed surgeries and provided healthcare to the Madia Gond tribes. His work extended beyond medicine, as he also initiated programmes in education and wildlife conservation.

The international community recognised his contribution when he and Dr Mandakini received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2008 for Community Leadership. Medical practitioners worldwide have praised his ability to bring surgical care to extremely remote areas under challenging conditions. His institution at Hemalkasa has grown into a comprehensive centre offering medical treatment, schooling, and social development, attracting visitors and volunteers from different parts of the world.

4. Dr Mandakini Amte

Dr Mandakini Amte has been a pillar of the Hemalkasa project, working alongside her husband for decades. A physician by training, she provided primary care to tribal communities that had little or no access to hospitals. She treated thousands of patients annually, managing diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and malnutrition. Her efforts in maternal and child health improved survival rates in villages that were once considered beyond the reach of formal healthcare systems.

Her recognition with the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2008 highlighted her role in transforming healthcare access for marginalised populations. Over the years, she has been invited to speak at international conferences where her work is cited as an example of medical service under extreme conditions. Along with clinical work, she has trained young doctors and health workers, many of whom went on to replicate similar models elsewhere. Her contributions have ensured that the name Hemalkasa remains associated globally with humanitarian healthcare.

5. Dr Vikas Mahatme

Dr Vikas Mahatme, an ophthalmologist based in Nagpur, has gained acclaim for his contributions to eye health and surgical training. He founded the Mahatma Eye Bank and Eye Hospital, which has become a recognised centre for advanced ophthalmic surgery. Under his leadership, the institution has conducted thousands of surgeries, particularly for cataracts, which remain a major cause of blindness in India.

The International Council of Ophthalmology acknowledged his hospital as a centre of excellence for training surgeons. His institution has trained ophthalmologists from various countries, contributing to global skill development in eye care. In 2010, he received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his work. Dr Mahatme’s focus on making advanced eye care accessible while also building international collaborations has ensured his position among Vidarbha’s most acclaimed doctors.

The contributions of these five doctors show how individuals from Vidarbha have influenced global healthcare. Their work demonstrates the impact of combining medical expertise with community engagement, whether through research, service delivery, or institutional development. Recognition at the highest levels, from international awards to citations in top medical journals, underscores their importance beyond regional boundaries.

Each of them has created a path that continues to inspire future doctors and health workers. Their names stand as enduring references in global discussions about healthcare for the underserved.