Thirty-two years ago, I faced a altering choice to remain in London, where I had an established gynaecological practice and a thriving career, or to return to my hometown of Kolkata, where my skills could serve a community in need but where no one knew me. Choosing to come back to Kolkata shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined.
When I returned, fate led me to Dr. Konkon, my life partner and greatest collaborator. Together, we dreamt of creating a sanctuary for women’s reproductive health-a place where expertise, and compassion, accessibility were the guiding principles. With no entrepreneurial background and limited resources, the vision felt ambitious, but our determination was unwavering. Today, 30 years, over 100,000 surgeries, and countless success stories later, I can say with confidence that it was the best decision of my life.
The day we opened Abha Surgy Centre is a memory I cherish deeply. Our beginnings were humble a small dinic in my grandfather’s old residence, where we repurposed rooms into consultation areas. Much of our equipment was second-hand or gifted by my generous father-in-law, Dr. K.K. Das. Patients came slowly at first, often with scepticism about our ability to make an impact. But what we lacked in resources, we made up for with belief In our vision and the desire to serve.
One memory from those early days remains etched in my heart. A couple walked into our clinic, burdened by years of heartbreak, societal judgment, and dwindling finances. They had endured repeated disappointments and were told by numerous doctors that parenthood was beyond their reach. After extensive consultations, we discovered significant medical challenges: uterine scarring and a low sperm count, making their case exceptionally complex. Despite the odds, they placed their last hopes in us.
We crafted a tailored treatment plan, combining IVF with advanced interventions. It was a journey fraught with anxious days and multiple procedures, but they persevered. Months later, I carried their tiny miracle out of the operation theatre. As I placed the baby in their arms, the husband broke down in tears emotions a mix of gratitude, relief, and the realization that their long-held reaffirmed why Abha Surgy Centre exists- not just to treat medical conditions, but to restore hope where It feels impossible.
Abha Surgy Centre was built on more than hat medical expertise; it was grounded in values passed down by two extraordinary Individuals: my father-in-law, Dr. Das, and my mentor, Dr. Baidyanath Chakraborty. Dr. Chakraborty’s advice, “Focus on providing affordable care, and success will follow,” became the cornerstone of our philosophy. This ethos continues to guide us today, as we provide many treatments free of charge each year to couples in need.
Our journey has not been without challenges. IVF was a novel concept in India at the time, and scepticism ran deep. I spent many sleepless nights drafting brochures to educate people about the procedure, hoping to demystify it. Slowly but surely, awareness grew, and as patients began sharing their success stories, Abha earned its place as a trusted centre for women’s healthcare.
What makes this journey truly fulfilling is the multigenerational trust we’ve built. Patients who came to us for infertility treatments decade ago now bring their daughters for gynaecological care. These relationships, built on faith and shared milestones, make Abha more than a clinic-it’s a part of their family stories.
Our team has been integral to this journey, embodying the values that define Abha. I am particularly moved by the story of a young science graduate who joined us in our early days. Konkon mentored her in embryology, and over time, she became one of our most accomplished team members. Today, her daughter has joined our team, carrying forward the legacy of care and excellence. It’s moments like these that highlight the spirit of continuity and belonging that make Abha unique.
Over the years, we’ve expanded our scope to include high-risk obstetrics, male infertility, genetic counselling. and mental health. I’m reminded of a recent case involving a couple who were both thalassemia carriers.
Helping them navigate the complexities of genetic counselling and conceive a healthy child reinforced our mission: to create hope where it feels like none exists.
As we celebrate 30 years of Abha, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the families who placed their trust in us, the patients who became part of our Journey, and the team members who turned our vision into reality. Every patient who walks through our doors leaves a mark on our story, and I am humbled to have been a part of theirs.
Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our facilities and extend our footprint across Kolkata and beyond. While our services will grow, the heart of Abha will always remain the same affordable, compassionate, patient-centred care.
To every patient, team member, and well-wisher who has been a part of this incredible journey-thank you. Here’s to 30 years of transforming lives and to many more to come.
A Glimpse Behind the Scrubs As dawn breaks and the city slowly stirs awake, Dr. Nilotpal Roy has already begun his day. Being a gynaecologist is not just a profession; it’s a constant dance between the planned and the unpredictable. With surgeries scheduled, emergencies waiting to happen, and countless lives to touch, each day is a delicate balance of skill, compassion, and fortitude.
Not every morning feels like jumping out of bed,” he chuckles, “especially when it’s cold, and my bed feels too comfortable to leave. But I’ve learned from my mentors that morning is the best time for surgeries. Patients are fresher, more at ease, and complications are easier to manage when everyone’s fully alert and resources are at hand.
It’s not just about medical precision; it’s about timing, calmness, and being fully present for the patients who put their trust in him.
Life doesn’t slow down once the sun sets. Emergencies come knocking at the most unpredictable hours, and as a doctor I know this all too well. Late-night C-sections, which can happen two to three times a month, often find me back in the operating room after a full day’s work. “Each night-time emergency is a reminder of why I chose this path.
It’s not just me, though— it’s a team effort. I’m blessed with a fantastic team who are always ready, no matter the hour.
With my rounds of surgeries complete, I head up to my clinic. On an average day, I consult around 20 to 25 patients, each at a different point in their health journey. Whether it’s a routine check-up, follow-up care, or more serious consultations, I try to take time to guide each patient through their reproductive health needs. In a world of constant connection, many patients reach out to me beyond their appointments.
Yes, my patients call me quite often,” he smiles. “I’ve set up a system where they can message me on WhatsApp if I’m in surgery. It’s all about balance—being accessible without letting it take over your day.
After my clinic hours, I make it a point to spend time with my children. I pick them up from their tuitions, and we have dinner together. These moments may be short, but they are precious. Of course, the job never fully stops. Emergencies can strike even during family time, but my family has come to understand and adapt to this.
Each moment, whether it’s in the operating room, consulting with a patient, or sharing a meal with my family, has its purpose. That’s why I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.
A Life with Purpose At the end of the day, Dr. Nilotpal Roy’s journey is not just one of professional dedication—it’s a life filled with meaning.
