Medicine Man

With a lifelong handicap, old age problems, poor financial condition, and a young son who - after an accident - often stays unwell, life is more than difficult for OmkarNath Sharma. With his countless problems and sorrows, Sharma should essentially be spending the remaining days of his existence ruing over his false fate. This can be anybody’s guess, but Sharma’s. The 75-year-old has chosen to look beyond his misery.

The reverent silver has taken upon himself to relieve others of their problems; and that too in a novel way! Every day, he goes from door to door, asking for unused medicines, in different localities of Delhi. After a day’s job, he sits down to prepare a list of the drugs collected. Later, Sharma donates themto those in need through different NGOs and hospitals of the city. And he doesn’t forget to ask for a receipt for the same.

“Medicines that are bought for curing an ailment lie useless at our homes after we get healed. However, that same medicine can save someone else’s life! Someone won’t die if that medicine reaches him on time! Some timely action can save precious lives!” says Sharma.

But how did it all start? “Having spent 27 years as a medical assistant, I have seen many people die because they couldn’t afford even the cheapest of medicines. Something needed to be done. And so, I am doing my bit,” says the brisk old man. “These medicines are for the needy. God has trusted me with this responsibility,” he adds.

Lovingly called ‘medicine baba’ by children, Sharma wears a red kurta which has his mobile number (09250243298) and the words ‘medicine man’ printed on it.He walks almost 5 kilometers daily. Given his age, one wonders how he manages to. “When the Almighty gives you a job, he bestows upon you the power to complete it. So don’t go by my age, I have the strength to walk miles untiringly,” he says with his head held high.

And does he really manage to collect at least some medicines every day? Well, the answer is both shocking and inspiring. “I collect drugs worth lakhs every month,” he replies. So is it easy to convince people to donate medicines? Don’t people doubt his intentions? “While some people are very cooperative, others are quite cynical and unmoved by the cause. Many even think that I am a cheat! This isn’t enough to dissuade me though,” says Sharma with a contented smile.

Slowly and gradually, Sharma’s work is getting acknowledged far and wide. “I was so touched and also amazed when someone called me from Kuwait and offered to donate medicines,” he adds.

“Each one of us has ample spare medicines at home. Rather than throwing these drugs away once they cross their expiry date, why not pass them on to those ailing souls who can’t afford to buy them? And why even wait for the government to set up an association or agency for the purpose? In a developing country like ours, it’s the responsibility of each citizen to take some social initiative. This is when a big, positive change happens,” says Sharma.

An idea sure can save many a lives!

Need we say more?