Dr. Ramesh Pandita
“When you know you have help relieve pain, misery and disease, when you see a smile on the patients face, you experience a remarkable sense of job satisfaction,” said Dr. Ramesh Pandita.
With his multifaceted personality and charisma, Dr. Pandita has been part of a wide range of activities in the field of health and was even featured as part of the Voice of America’s ‘Meri Kahani’.
The Times had the privilege of a sit-down with one of Kuwait’s finest hematologists who has been a long-time consultant at Hussein Makki Juma Cancer Center in Al Sabah and as well as a former President of the Indian Doctors Forum.
The field of medicine dedicated to the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases is known as Hematology. It also includes the study of etiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of blood diseases that affect the production of blood and its components, such as blood cells, hemoglobin, blood proteins, and the mechanism of coagulation.
Please take us back to your beginnings and your journey into the field of hematology
I graduated from Srinagar Medical College in Kashmir and then went to Post Graduate Institute of Medical Research (PGI) Chandigarh where I did my post graduation. Upon completion, I went back to the Institute Of Medical Sciences in Srinagar where I was subsequently an assistant professor in Clinical Hematology.
I also was awarded a fellowship from the Nation Academy of Medical Sciences and went to Tata Memorial Hospital in Bombay and expanded my knowledge further on leukemias and treatment of other blood diseases.
In 1992 I came to Kuwait and joined the Kuwait Cancer Control Center where I am currently a consultant in the division of Hematology, looking after patients with blood cancers — what is medically called leukemia, which are of two types acute and chronic as well as other blood diseases particularly myeloma.
Could you broadly enlighten us on the field of hematology?
Hematology is basically a branch of medicine which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases. So primarily, we diagnose blood diseases which are broadly categorized under malignant and benign.
Malignant types usually encompass blood cancers in the blood directly (leukemia) or in the lymph glands (Lymphoma)
Then there are other diseases which are a result of blood cellular dysfunction including anemia — one of the world’s most common diseases — where the blood cells are not forming proper amounts of hemoglobin. This can be caused by a poor diet where individuals are not getting enough of the necessary vitamins and nutrients especially iron. Anemia is also common in women who suffer from excessive blood loss during their monthly periods.
Causes of hemolytic anemia are due to early death of red blood cells because of a defect in the cell itself which can be genetic or acquired.
Anemia can also be caused if the bone marrow is not forming enough of red blood cells.
Other blood diseases are linked to white blood cells which are required for our defense system and immunity, where either not enough cells are being produced or the count is lowered by drugs or infection.
Platelets which are required to controlling bleeding may also be the basis for some blood diseases. Some patients have low levels of platelets due to certain antibodies or bone marrow deficits and they risk excessive bleeding, while others have a number that is too high and may contribute to clotting — known as thrombosis. Deficiency of blood clotting factors can result in spontaneous or excessive bleeding after surgical procedures or injury.
Having started your career in India, can you elaborate on parallels between Kuwait and India when it comes to blood diseases?
I have noticed that there is no remarkable difference when it comes to blood illnesses in Kuwait and India. Take for example Thalassemia — a disease is caused by the weakening and destruction of red blood cells — is common in both countries.
Leukemias and lymphomas happen with a similar frequency here as well as in India, the patterns are similar and in both countries there are dedicated hospitals to treat such patients.
As a member of the IDF from its inception, can you tell us about its early days as well as your involvement and contribution to the forum?
We formed the IDF around nine years ago. It has been my privilege to be continuously involved with the organization since its inception first as the Vice President, later as the President and now as an executive member.I have been the editor of many editions health guides including the edition dedicated to cancer.
As President of the forum while continuing our earlier health related initiatives I had the opportunity of initiating a program called ‘Meet the Specialist,’ which enabled the layperson to come in contact and have a close interaction with various medical specialists. The program continues to be popular and is open to all but specially targets segments of the community that do not have easy access to health care counseling.
What advice would you give the public on general health care?
Many of our diseases are related to our life style and can be prevented. Sedentary life style, tobacco consumption, substance abuse including alcohol is important causes of disease. Physical activity, avoidance of overeating, avoidance of tobacco and alcohol abuse can go a long way in prevention of many diseases including cancer. Anemia can be prevented by eating fresh green leafy vegetables, fruits and meat products in case of non-vegetarians, additional supplementation of iron and various vitamins may be required in children, adolescents and pregnant women. Anemia is not limited to people with limited resources, but also to people who have abundant but fall prey to food faddism and other trends.
Additionally, if patients experience unusual bleeding or tend to get bruised easily and frequently, it is an indication that there is some problem with the blood coagulation system and they should subsequently seek medical advice as soon as possible as earlier stages of most diseases are easier to cure.
The advances in the field have allowed for many people to live normal lives, provided the necessary action is taken at the earliest. Take for example, childhood leukemia which was uniformly fatal has now, through chemotherapy seen a success rate of over 80%.
From your personal point of view, how do you feel about your job what drives you within your profession?
I think that the most important quality of a physician should be compassion. People in the field of medicine should be driven by compassion and empathy — if it doesn’t exist, you will not enjoy your job and you will not be liked much by your patients either!
In terms of fulfillment, there is no greater joy than seeing people whom you have helped to overcome life threatening diseases. I have also worked with many charities in Kuwait and have been able to get funding for very expensive treatment for some patients.
I think the real thing that drives me is the smiles I see one the faces on people and the feeling that I have contributed to some good. That drives me remarkably and that is what job satisfaction and fulfillment is all about for me.
– Staff Report
