Mandi News
Himachal Pradesh : Retired doctor Sushil Chander in Himachal’s Mandi continues to offer free medical care without clinic or fees
At a time when healthcare is increasingly expensive and commercialised, a retired government doctor in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district is quietly redefining what it means to serve society.
At a time when healthcare is increasingly expensive and commercialised, a retired government doctor in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district is quietly redefining what it means to serve society.
Dr Sushil Chander, a former Chief Medical Officer (CMO), continues to provide free medical guidance and treatment to patients even after retiring from service — without running a private clinic, charging consultation fees, or keeping fixed hours.
A resident of Upper Bhuili in Mandi and son of late army personnel Gopi Chand, Dr Chander retired in December 2022 after dedicating 33 years to public healthcare, most recently serving as CMO of Kullu district. While many doctors opt for private practice after retirement, he chose a different path — one driven purely by compassion.
Today, patients reach out to him through phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or even during chance meetings on the streets. From cancer patients to those battling heart ailments and chronic illnesses, many approach him with medical reports seeking advice. Dr Chander patiently listens, suggests treatment options, prescribes medicines when necessary, and guides families toward timely medical intervention.
For serious conditions, he ensures patients are referred to reputed institutions such as GMC Nerchowk, AIIMS Bilaspur, IGMC Shimla, Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Tanda, and PGI Chandigarh, among others.
Despite not operating from a clinic, he makes time for every person who seeks help. Beyond treatment, he strongly advocates disease awareness, prevention, and public health education, emphasising that empathy is as vital as medicine.
His lifelong commitment has earned him several honours, including the HIMTARU Award (2014) and a Lifetime Achievement Award (August 15, 2022). He has also represented India at international scientific conferences in Taiwan and Malaysia, and contributed to research on iodine deficiency disorders, tuberculosis, and COVID-19 sero-surveillance in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
“Medicine is not just a profession; it is a responsibility. Helping those in need gives me peace and satisfaction,” Dr Chander says.
His selfless service continues to inspire both patients and fellow doctors, standing as a rare example of humanity-driven healthcare in today’s fast-changing medical landscape.
