RIMS junior doctor drowns at Perwaghagh Waterfall during Picnic

Ranchi: A group picnic turned into an unfortunate tragedy for a young junior doctor from Ranchi’s Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), who lost his life while bathing at Perwaghagh Waterfall in Khunti district. 

The deceased, a 23-year-old doctor identified as Abhishek Michael Khalkho, was bathing at the waterfall when a sudden surge in the water flow swept him away. Even though he was rescued by his fellow doctors, his condition was critical. Sadly, he suffered a cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital and could not be saved.

Dr Khalkho was one of four junior doctors who were caught in the strong current while bathing. While the other three were rescued safely, Dr Khalkho's condition was too severe, and despite efforts to save him, he passed away.

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According to a local media report, he was part of a group picnic involving 21 junior doctors from RIMS. The group had gone for a day trip to the scenic spot, Perwaghagh Waterfall, located about 82 km from Ranchi. The situation turned tragic when the group was enjoying themselves, and at that time, the water current suddenly became strong between 2 and 3 PM, leading to the death of the doctor. 

He was first rushed to the nearby Torpa Health Centre and then referred to Khunti Sadar Hospital. While on the way, he suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite immediate CPR efforts by his fellow doctors, they could not save him.

His untimely death sent shockwaves through the RIMS and the medical fraternity, who expressed their condolences and grieved for his loss. 

Dr Khalkho was a member of the 2019 batch. He was doing his internship at RIMS after completing his MBBS from the institute. The young and talented doctor hailed from Kapariya village under Khunti police station in Khunti district.

Several medical associations, including the Junior Doctors Association (JDA), Junior Doctors Network (JDN), and the state chapter of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), have expressed their condolences. JDA Vice-President Dr Abhishek Hansdak informed that a condolence meeting has been convened on the RIMS campus to pay tribute to Dr Abhishek Michael Khalkho.

FAIMA National Co-Chairman Dr Jaideep Kumar Choudhary told Jharkhand Story, "This tragic incident has shaken the RIMS family so much that it can’t be described in words. We lost a brilliant, promising young doctor,” said Dr Jaideep Choudhary.

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