The Chinese government has expressed interest in providing funds for modernising the government hospital in the township of Vengurla in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, on condition it be named after the legendary Indian physician, Dr. Dwarkanath Shantaram Kotnis.
Dr. D.K. Kotnis, along with Canadian Norman Bethune, had become a byword for his services in war-ravaged China during the second Sino-Japanese war in 1938, often being perceived as a mascot for Sino-Indian friendship and collaboration. Born in Solapur district, Dr. Kotnis had also resided for a while in Vengurla.
Earlier last week, Chinese Consul General Niu Qingbao met State Health Minister Suresh Shetty to discuss the modernisation of the 30-bed Government Hospital in Vengurla. Mr. Qingbao said his government wanted to provide financial assistance for the hospital.
