SUBHHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, July 1: An emotional farewell was accorded to Professor (Dr) Ajay Raj, Head of the Paediatrics Department at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital (MGMMCH), Jamshedpur, as he retired on June 30, 2025, after serving the institution for 37 years.
Faculty members, doctors, senior residents, and staff gathered to honour his long and impactful journey.
A special farewell ceremony was held to mark the occasion, where MGMMCH Principal Dr. Diwakar Hansda and Superintendent Dr. R.K. Mandhan felicitated Prof. Raj. They lauded his outstanding contributions in raising the standards of paediatric care and promoting academic excellence in the institution.
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Tributes from Colleagues and Students
Several department heads and senior faculty members, including Deputy Prof. (Dr) Jujharu Majhi, Prof. Nakul Choudhary, HoD of Medicine Prof. Balram Jha, HoD of Dermatology Prof. A.N. Jha, HoD of Orthopaedics Prof. Sanga, and HoD of Radiology Prof. Besra, paid rich tributes to Prof. Ajay Raj. They recalled his dedication, mentorship, and instrumental role in the institution’s growth.
The event was also attended by a large number of senior residents and doctors. Dr. Raghvendra Kumar, Secretary of JDN Jharkhand, was among those present to honour the retiring professor.
An Illustrious Medical Career
Prof. Ajay Raj began his journey with MGMMCH in 1994 as a Resident Medical Officer in the Paediatrics Department. He was promoted to Assistant Professor in 2004, became Associate Professor in 2009, and rose to the position of Professor in 2013. In 2018, he assumed the role of Head of the Department.
His academic path began with an MBBS from Patna Medical College (1976–1982), followed by an MD in Paediatrics from Darbhanga Medical College (1987–1989). He was selected for government service through the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) in 1988.
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Prof. Raj’s dedication extended beyond clinical practice to medical training and capacity building. He successfully completed the National Training of Trainers (ToT) program on Facility-Based Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (F-IMNCI) at Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital, New Delhi.
His efforts significantly contributed to improving neonatal and child healthcare practices at the institutional level.
The farewell ceremony marked not just the retirement of a professor but the departure of a mentor, healer, and visionary who shaped generations of paediatricians in Jharkhand.
