THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dhanbad, June 5: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Jharkhand chapter has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of its first elected president, Dr. Shobha Chakraborty, and paid heartfelt tributes to her remarkable contributions.
IMA President Dr. A.K. Singh and Secretary Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh described her demise as an irreplaceable loss not only for the association but also for the medical fraternity of the state and the entire country.
Renowned gynecologist Dr. Shobha Chakraborty passed away on Wednesday in Ranchi at the age of 85. She holds the distinction of being the first elected president of the Jharkhand IMA, which was established after the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000.
Also Read- PM Modi flags off 200 electric buses in Delhi
The Jharkhand IMA was officially formed in 2004, with Dr. Mahmood Alam of Jamshedpur and Dr. Ajoy Kumar Singh of Ranchi appointed as the founder president and secretary of the ad hoc committee, respectively.
A Pioneer in Medical Leadership and Education
The first elections for the Jharkhand IMA took place in 2007, where Dr. Chakraborty and Dr. R.C. Jha were unanimously elected president and secretary. The terms at that time lasted two years, and after 2009, Dr. A.K. Chatterjee of Deoghar and Dr. Shekhar Choudhary Kajal took over as president and secretary for the 2009-11 term.
Dr. Ajoy Kumar Singh reflected on Dr. Chakraborty’s invaluable role, saying, “With her passing, an era in the IMA and medical education in the state has come to an end. She was a guiding force not only within the IMA but also played a significant role in the Medical Council of India (MCI). In 2008, despite her busy schedule, she accepted the then Health Minister Bhanu Pratap Shahi’s request to represent Jharkhand in the MCI, acting in the best interests of the state.”
Dr. Singh further added that Dr. Chakraborty was the first medical professional from the state to establish the Indian medical system abroad, highlighting her pioneering spirit.
Also Read- NIA raids 32 places in J&K to uncover Pakistan-backed terror plot
Enduring Legacy and Condolences from Medical Leaders
Former Secretary Dr. R.C. Jha, who worked closely with Dr. Chakraborty in laying the foundation of the Jharkhand IMA, expressed his condolences, calling her death a great loss to the medical community.
“Everything the IMA achieved is largely due to her efforts. As president, she always organized programs for the welfare of doctors but also emphasized that patient care must remain the top priority,” he recalled.
Several other prominent medical leaders expressed their shock and grief at Dr. Chakraborty’s passing, including IMA State Convener Dr. Bimlesh Singh, Dr. R.S. Das, Dr. P.P. Shah, JSHSA Secretary Dr. Thakur Mritunjay Kumar Singh, IMA National Vice-President Dr. D. Tiwari, and IMA Deoghar Secretary Dr. Gauri Shankar. Their tributes highlighted her immense contributions and lasting impact on the state’s medical fraternity.