Health Articles & Media Profiles

Allying himself with the rural children of Midnapore and Howrah, Dr. Prabir Bhaumik works tirelessly to solve pediatric health issues for the deprived sections of society. "I was born here, and still feel I belong here," he notes. "I witness my father, a retired primary school teacher, donating his pension for the welfare of local widows. I proudly work on his lines to help the helpless, rather than operating as a mere money-earning machine."

Dr. Bhaumik's Pediatric Center in Kolaghat, founded in 1999, has successfully treated thousands of ailing children and premature infants. Recognizing that modern equipment is prohibitively expensive, Dr. Bhaumik engineered custom solutions on-site:

• Traveling Incubator: Essential for safe preterm infant transit. While commercial models cost around 6 Lakhs INR (limiting West Bengal to just two such systems), Dr. Bhaumik constructed a fully functional system for only 27,000 INR, enabling secure transportation of sick newborns to Kolkata’s cardiology centers.
• Low-Cost Phototherapy: Standard phototherapy setups cost around 70,000 INR. Dr. Bhaumik developed ten specialized setups at an average cost of 5,000 INR each.
• Pipeline Oxygenator: Custom systems that convert and distribute high-grade oxygen directly into the clinic's wards, reducing operational costs.
• Oxygen Tub: Since oxygen masks are uncomfortable and difficult to fit on premature infants, Dr. Bhaumik designed a closed tub environment that supplies 100% pure oxygen comfortably.

For these custom engineering works, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) honored Dr. Prabir Bhaumik with the prestigious Eastern India Pioneer Award.

Upon crossing the doors of Shusrusha Nursing Home, one is instantly struck by the pleasant environment. Unlike generic clinical environments, Dr. Bhaumik’s chamber features an aquarium, teddy bears, and toys. Children are greeted with chocolates and health drinks to soothe their anxiety. "I made this chamber different so that my little friends feel happy rather than crying. They should leave sad, not arrive sad," Dr. Bhaumik notes.

When questioned about conducting advanced treatment in Kolaghat, Dr. Bhaumik explains:

"Treatment costs depend on infrastructure, presentation, and services. I don't hire highly expensive corporate nurses; instead, I recruit local high school graduates and groom them to be efficient caregivers. Combined with custom-made clinical instruments, we impart new-age neonatology at a fraction of the cost."

Among his notable saves are a premature baby weighing only 700 grams and a quadruplet (four babies born together) who are now healthy, active children attending school.

"Up to the age of six months, for a newborn baby, be it food or drink, it is only breast milk. There are no other alternatives," advises Dr. Prabir Bhaumik. Highlighting standard baby care protocols, he recommends:

• Keep the newborn's body warm at all times.
• Bathing should be regular to maintain hygiene.
• Avoid exposing the baby to direct, harsh sunlight.
• Keep the nursery environment calm and quiet.
• Do not apply cosmetic kohl (kajal) to the baby's eyes.
• Massage the baby regularly using pure coconut oil.

Massaging with coconut oil is not only a source of fats and thermogenesis, but it also creates a vital sensory bond between the mother and the baby. The tactile stimulation during massage triggers hormonal releases that stimulate breast milk production in the mother.

To celebrate these practices, Dr. Bhaumik has hosted reunions (Kid Fairs) in Kolaghat, bringing together cured preterm babies and leading pediatric directors, including Prof. Dr. Apurba Ghosh (Director, ICH Kolkata) and Prof. Dr. Mrinal Chattopadhyay (Director, BC Roy Children Hospital).