The medical community in Nagpur and across Maharashtra was plunged into mourning on Wednesday following the sudden and untimely demise of renowned neurosurgeon Dr Chandrashekar Pakhmode. The 53-year-old doctor, celebrated for his surgical skill and compassionate nature, passed away after suffering a massive heart attack in the early hours of the morning.
A Sudden Collapse and Frantic Efforts to Save Him
According to sources, the tragic sequence of events began around 6 am on Wednesday when Dr Pakhmode stepped out of his residence in Ramdaspeth. He collapsed suddenly, prompting immediate action from his wife, Dr Manisha Pakhmode, who is an anaesthetist. She performed resuscitation at the spot before rushing him to a nearby hospital.
At the hospital, Dr Pakhmode was placed on ventilator support and a team of senior cardiologists was summoned. A senior cardiologist involved in the effort revealed that the medical team performed chest compressions for nearly two hours and administered between 50 to 60 DC shocks in a desperate attempt to correct his irregular heart rhythm and revive a pulse. Despite these exhaustive efforts, they could not save him.
Tributes Pour In for a "Gem" of the Medical Fraternity
The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the circles of healthcare professionals, academicians, former patients, and politicians. His last rites were performed at Mokshadam, attended by a massive gathering of colleagues, friends, family, and grateful patients.
Dr Raj Gajbhiye, Dean of GMCH Nagpur, Dr Pakhmode's alma mater, called him a "gem of GMCH Nagpur" and a great friend. He highlighted the neurosurgeon's role in saving countless lives and significantly contributing to the upgradation of the college, terming his death a huge loss to society.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari took to social media platform X to express his grief, noting Dr Pakhmode's over 25 years of dedicated service that gave countless patients a new lease on life. He remembered the doctor as a calm, gentle, and compassionate personality.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep shock, stating that for poor and ordinary patients, Dr Pakhmode was nothing short of a guardian angel. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and AIIMS Nagpur executive director Dr Prashant P Joshi also echoed sentiments of immense loss, praising his humility, skill, and patient care.
A Fitness Enthusiast with No Prior Warning Signs
What made the loss even more poignant was Dr Pakhmode's reputation as a fitness enthusiast with no known prior health issues. Dr Avinash Gawande, GMCH medical superintendent, recalled meeting him just the night before his death, stating he showed no signs of distress. He further revealed that Dr Pakhmode's ECG, taken just three days prior, was completely normal.
Dr Pakhmode is survived by his 80-year-old mother, his wife Dr Manisha, his son Dr Advait, and daughter Ananya, who is currently a medical student. His passing has left a void described as irreparable by peers like NEERI scientist Dr Krishna Khairnar, whose own mother was successfully operated on by Dr Pakhmode for a complex brain tumour.
The Medical Service Society Nagpur, in a joint statement, said the city had lost a knowledgeable and compassionate doctor. The collective grief underscored the legacy of a surgeon whose hands, as many noted, carried not just excellence but also hope and profound humanity.
