In an era where medical expenses often burden the underprivileged, Dr. Ejaz Ali of Patna, Bihar, stands as a beacon of hope. For over three decades, this esteemed general surgeon has charged a nominal consultation fee of just ₹10, earning him the endearing title of the “Messiah of the Poor.”
Born in 1958 into a lower-middle-class family, Dr. Ali was the sixth of ten siblings. His father, Sheikh Mumtaz Ali, served as a Block Development Officer during the British Raj. Despite financial constraints, Dr. Ali excelled academically, completing his MBBS and later his Master’s in Surgery from Patna Medical College and Hospital.
In 1984, Dr. Ali began his medical practice in Patna’s Bikhna Pahari locality. From the outset, he was determined to make healthcare accessible to all, setting his consultation fee at ₹10—a rate he has steadfastly maintained. Beyond consultations, Dr. Ali offers surgeries at significantly reduced costs, often allowing patients to pay in installments or waiving fees entirely for those in dire need.
Dr. Ali’s late wife shared his philanthropic vision, also charging minimal fees for her medical services. Their commitment to affordable healthcare has profoundly influenced their three children, all of whom have pursued careers in medicine:
Dr. Suraiya Anjum: A gynecologist who charges ₹50 for consultations.
Dr. Naghma Anjum: A pathologist dedicated to serving the community.
Dr. Shahzad Ali: A general and gastrointestinal surgeon with international training, who charges ₹100 for his services.
Together, the Ali family operates Ejaz Clinic, continuing their patriarch’s legacy of compassion and service.
Dr. Ali’s dedication extends beyond his medical practice. He is the National Convenor of the All-India Backward Muslim Morcha, an organization he founded in 1994 to advocate for the rights of Dalit Muslims. His efforts in social justice led him to serve as a Member of the Rajya Sabha from 2008 to 2010, representing Bihar.
Despite his accolades and the reverence of his patients, Dr. Ali remains humble. Dressed in a simple kurta-pyjama, he consults with over 100 patients daily, performing multiple surgeries, and ensuring that no one leaves untreated.
The Ali family’s unwavering commitment to affordable healthcare serves as an inspiring testament to the impact of compassion and selflessness in medicine.
