Delhi: People living in slums struggle to afford costly medications for their healthcare needs. Omkar Nath Sharma, a resident of Delhi, also known as Medicine Baba, is revered for his noble deeds. He tirelessly goes from house to house, collecting unused medicines and distributing them to those in need free of charge. Remarkably, he has been engaged with the same work for the last 17 years. He mentions that in India, there is a serious absence of medicine banks for the impoverished. He dreams of establishing medicine banks to help people from underprivileged backgrounds get access to proper healthcare. 

The story of Medicine Baba

It was the year 2008, when a tragic incident prompted Omkar Nath Sharma to embark on this journey. A metro construction pillar collapsed in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, and the incident resulted in fatalities and injuries. Some were provided initial first aid treatment and were then sent home. However, many of the injured people lacked the resources to buy necessary medications.

The whole situation prompted him to do something to support poor people. Since then, he has been tirelessly contributing his part to this noble cause. The cost of the medicines ranges from Rs 1 to strips worth Rs 2 lakh. He distributes these medicines to those in need as part of his selfless service. 

Maintaining records

Medicine Baba is handicapped with his leg, and yet he remains dedicated to his mission. Every morning, he heads out and visits houses to collect medicines for those in need. Despite his physical challenges, he ensures that medications are properly sorted into difference compartments for easy distribution. He distributes the medicines after reading the prescriptions that the patients provide him. He also keeps a photocopy of each prescription for maintaining proper records. 

International donations

Omkar Nath Sharma is a retired technician; he used to work in a blood bank. For his endeavours, he takes help of a pharmacist. He works with a team of 5 to 6 individuals that assist in sorting the donated medicines. Furthermore, he also receives medicines from various countries including Canada, England, Vietnam, France, and more. When receiving these international donations, he requests the senders to cover the customs fees to ease his financial burden.

Dedication and perseverance

Omkar Nath Sharma faced scepticism when he embarked on this journey. People often doubted his actions and speculated that he was selling the donated medicines for personal gain. However, he persevered in his mission to collect medicines and distribute them to the needy. Presently, he distributes medicines worth approximately Rs 4 to 5 lakh every month. Sometimes, he even purchases expensive medicines to provide assistance to the underprivileged.