SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, May 19: The untimely death of junior doctor (intern) Dr Abhishek Michael Khalkho (23) has sent shockwaves through the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi. A member of the 2019 batch, Dr Khalkho hailed from Kapariya village under Khunti police station in Khunti district.
Dr Khalkho had joined a group of 21 junior doctors from RIMS for a picnic on Sunday at Perwaghagh Waterfall in Fatka Panchayat of Torpa, Khunti district—approximately 82 km from Ranchi.
Accident at Perwaghagh Waterfall
According to officials, the incident occurred between 2–3 PM on Sunday. While bathing at the waterfall, four junior doctors, including Dr Khalkho, were swept away by a sudden surge in water flow. Although all four were rescued by fellow group members, Dr Khalkho was found in a critical condition.
He was first taken to Torpa Health Centre and later referred to Khunti Sadar Hospital for further treatment.
On the way to Khunti Sadar Hospital, Dr Khalkho suffered a cardiac arrest. Since the group members were all doctors, they immediately initiated CPR, but despite their best efforts, they could not revive him.
The news of his passing cast a pall of gloom over the RIMS campus as his body was brought back. The atmosphere was somber, with students, colleagues, and faculty deeply affected by the loss.
Condolences Pour In from Medical Associations
Office bearers from the Junior Doctors Association (JDA) RIMS, Junior Doctors Network (JDN), and the state chapter of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) gathered at RIMS to express their condolences and solidarity.
JDA President Dr Ankit Kumar, Secretary Dr Om Prakash, Vice-President Dr Abhishek Hansdak, JDN President Dr Vikash Kumar, Secretary Dr Raghvendra Kumar, and FAIMA National Co-Chairman Dr Jaideep Kumar Choudhary all expressed deep grief over the tragic loss.
“This tragic incident has shaken the RIMS family so much that it can’t be described in words. We lost a brilliant, promising young doctor,” said Dr Jaideep Choudhary.
JDA Vice-President Dr Abhishek Hansdak informed that a condolence meeting has been convened on the RIMS campus to pay tribute to Dr Abhishek Michael Khalkho.