The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Leading the battle against swine flu

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Wednesday, Oct 28, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Leading the battle against swine flu

Last six months have been very hectic with the swine flu, Dr. Subhakar tells T. Lalith Singh

Dr. K. Subhakar

When the State government geared up for the battle against swine flu, he emerged as a trusted and seasoned campaigner leading from the front. “Last six months have been very hectic with the swine flu and I practically had to keep everything, including social and family life, aside. However, it is satisfying that we won the first round,” says the State Coordinator for swine flu Kandi Subhakar.

The Associate Professor of Chest Diseases at the Government General and Chest Hospital happens to be one of the most visible names and faces in the media since the swine flu scare broke out. Dr. Subhakar has been all over, from spreading awareness among general public to taking part in the government initiatives to contain the swine flu spread.

Born and brought up in Guntur, the doctor appears contended with steps that helped in tackling the problem so far. “Still, we have to see through the winter and pray that the second wave of swine flu does not come to trouble us,” he says. Till January, the fingers remain crossed.

Completing his MBBS from Guntur Medical College and doing his MD with Andhra Medical College, Dr. Subhakar has been in the forefront on different campaigns dealing with tuberculosis to HIV. And recently, he was chosen for the International Humanitarian Recognition Award by the American College of Chest Physicians for his voluntary initiative among HIV affected and infected children. Incidentally, this is the second time he has been chosen for the same citation.

With a wide spectrum of training that range from allergy, immunology to tuberculosis, the 50-year-old doctor is a Master Trainer for HIV and Multi drug resistant TB and has been involved in the initiatives against avian flu and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Amid the hectic work, he does take time out for what is dear to his heart, working with the less privileged children. “I provide voluntary health service for JNJ Bal Sadan which is a home away from home for the orphans and street children,” he reveals.

Actively involved in different capacities with associations such as Indian Medical Association, he had slight leaning towards politics in the early days “But after my father’s death, I gave it up and fully immersed myself in academics and research,” he recalls. How busy has he been with swine flu management? “For last six months, the family joke is that I am seen more on television than at home,” laughs Dr. Subhakar.

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