Centenarian Doctor Gifts ₹3.4 Crore Life Savings to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for Women’s Cancer Care

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BHUBANESWAR — In an extraordinary act of philanthropy that bridges a century of life with the future of women’s health, Dr. K. Laxmi Bai, a retired gynaecologist on the cusp of her 100th birthday, has donated her entire life savings of ₹3.4 crore to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar.

The substantial contribution, handed over just days before her centenary celebrations on December 5, is earmarked for establishing a specialized Gynaecological Oncology Programme. This initiative aims to provide advanced cancer care for underprivileged women in Odisha, a cause Dr. Laxmi Bai has championed throughout her five-decade career.

A Legacy of Healing

Dr. Laxmi Bai, a resident of Berhampur and a revered figure in Odisha’s medical community, retired as a professor from MKCG Medical College in 1986. Despite retiring nearly 40 years ago, her commitment to public health has remained unwavering.

“During my practice, I encountered many women who died due to the unavailability of proper cancer treatment in the state,” Dr. Laxmi Bai stated. “I hope the amount donated by me is utilised for the benefit of such poor and helpless women. It is my humble wish that this contribution helps establish a Gynaecological Oncology Programme, shaping future healers and offering hope to countless women.”

The donation will fund critical infrastructure and training at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, potentially filling a significant gap in the region’s oncological care capabilities. In addition to the primary donation, Dr. Laxmi Bai also gifted ₹3 lakh to the Berhampur Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society to support vaccination drives for adolescent girls, likely targeting the prevention of cervical cancer.

From the First Batch to a Lasting Impact

Born on December 5, 1926, Dr. Laxmi Bai’s journey mirrors the history of modern medicine in independent India. She was a student of the inaugural MBBS batch at SCB Medical College, Cuttack, in 1945. She later completed her MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Madras Medical College in 1958 and honed her expertise with a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, USA.

Her decision to donate her life savings highlights a deep-seated dedication to service that transcends her professional tenure. Dr. Saubhagya Kumar Jena, Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, expressed profound gratitude in an official letter, acknowledging the “noble cause” that will empower the institute to expand its specialized services.

Public Health Implications

The donation comes at a critical time for women’s health in India. Gynaecological cancers—specifically cervical and ovarian—remain a leading cause of mortality among women in the country. According to recent health data, cervical cancer contributes to approximately 6–29% of all cancers in women in India. In states like Odisha, access to specialized oncological care can often be limited to major urban centers, making financial and geographic accessibility a barrier for rural populations.

“Philanthropic contributions of this magnitude from within the medical fraternity are rare but transformative,” notes Dr. Indira Pal, Secretary of the Berhampur Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society. “Her focus on both treatment—through the AIIMS fund—and prevention, through the vaccination drive fund, shows a holistic understanding of how to tackle the cancer burden.”

Expert Perspectives

Medical professionals emphasize that private funding can act as a catalyst for public health projects that might otherwise face bureaucratic delays.

“When a veteran doctor invests their life’s earning back into the system, it sends a powerful message,” says Dr. Ravi Shankar, a public health policy analyst not involved in this specific donation. “It highlights a gap in our current infrastructure while simultaneously providing the resources to fix it. This grant could accelerate the procurement of advanced diagnostic machinery or fund fellowships for oncologists, directly impacting survival rates.”

Limitations and Future Steps

While the donation provides a significant financial boost, experts caution that money alone cannot solve systemic healthcare challenges. The success of the new programme will depend on AIIMS Bhubaneswar’s ability to sustain the initiative with staffing, maintenance, and operational protocols.

Dr. Jena and his team at AIIMS are expected to unveil a detailed utilization plan for the funds during Dr. Laxmi Bai’s birthday celebrations, organized by her former students. The medical community eagerly awaits the roadmap for the new oncology wing, which stands to benefit thousands of women in eastern India.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.

References

Primary Source: Medical Dialogues. (2025, December 2). Retired Gynaecologist Dr K Laxmi Bai donates Rs 3.4 crore to AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Interview Source: Dr. Saubhagya Kumar Jena, Professor and Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
Interview Source: Dr. Indira Pal, Secretary, Berhampur Obstetrics and Gynaecology Society.
Statistical Context: National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), India; Global Cancer Statistics regarding cervical cancer prevalence in South Asia.