Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A forensic doctor at Indore’s district hospital, set to retire on August 2, takes pride in his 18 years of tireless service, during which he has conducted over 15,000 post-mortem examinations. He believes these examinations are at the core of medico-legal cases and the pursuit of justice.

Dr Bharat Bajpai (64) has worked continuously since 2006, with only a month-long medical leave, a feat recognised as a national record by the Limca Book of Records in 2011 and 2014. Dr Bajpai said that the post-mortem department at the Government Govind Ballabh Pant District Hospital was established on November 6 2006 and he had been serving there ever since.

Except for a month’s leave due to a severe cerebrovascular accident (commonly known as a stroke or brain attack), he has not taken any regular leave in 18 years. His unwavering dedication is reflected in the more than 15,000 post-mortem examinations he has conducted. About seven years ago, the then chief minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan honoured him with the Best Doctor of the State trophy, he added. He claimed that he had prepared the first computerised post-mortem report in the state and was the only doctor who had conducted the most autopsy examinations on an individual level.

“The deceased have always been at the centre of my duty. Let me say that I love the dead as much as the living. I have always wished for every deceased person I examine to receive justice in court. The truth revealed through post-mortem reports helps the court deliver justice to victims and punishment to culprits”, Bajpai said.

Emphasising his dedication, Bajpai recalled performing two post-mortem examinations on the day of his son’s wedding, before joining the celebrations that evening. “Post-mortem examinations are a crucial part of medico-legal cases and cannot be deferred. I am fortunate that my family has always been supportive and never stopped me from going to work. I am retiring on August 2, but I would be happy if the state government grants me an extension so that I can continue serving the dead”, he added. Outside his office, quotes such as “Death delights here to help the living” and “Will you not speak the truth for fear of consequences?”, serve as reminders of Bajpai’s commitment to his work.