The Pavement Doctor of Calcutta
"Interesting, Incisive and Inspirational'"
This web site contains comprehensive information and previously unpublished facts about Dr.Jack Preger MBE. Based on many hours of private interviews, it comprises an E-book of 17 chapters set in various parts of this huge city, and presents as a dialogue between the British doctor and the author.
For the most part, it is recorded just as it was spoken in the various locations.
It covers his childhood; his family; his time as a farmer in Wales; the extraordinary events that led him to study medicine as a mature student, and his early years as a doctor in tragic circumstances in Bangladesh, which led to his expulsion from the country.
It follows his subsequent journey to India, where after working briefly for Mother Teresa, he set up and operated an amazing medical clinic at the side of the road for 14 years, his time in Alipore Jail, and his tireless work, for the poor of Kolkata - ongoing to this day at the age of 79. He talks frankly and openly about many topics of interest to many people, unveils his personal beliefs; his fears; his philosophies, and his attitudes to religion, the ensemble very often spiced with a sparkling sense of humour.
The book follows a general introduction and a 'Reader's Digest' article, which renders a compelling overview of his daily work.
Author's note: Numerous place names in the city have been changed since this was written, including "Dum Dum" airport in chapter 17, which is now known as "Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport" In order to preserve the originality of the text, I have made no attempt to correct these.
Cossipore Clinic (described in Chapter 4) no longer operates, but four urban clinics currently serve the poor, together with Mobile Clinics, a Street Medicine Programme, two schools, an Arsenic Mitigation Programme, a Vocational Training Programme including Weaving Mills, and a Fair Trade Certified Handicrafts project.
For the most part, it is recorded just as it was spoken in the various locations.
It covers his childhood; his family; his time as a farmer in Wales; the extraordinary events that led him to study medicine as a mature student, and his early years as a doctor in tragic circumstances in Bangladesh, which led to his expulsion from the country.
It follows his subsequent journey to India, where after working briefly for Mother Teresa, he set up and operated an amazing medical clinic at the side of the road for 14 years, his time in Alipore Jail, and his tireless work, for the poor of Kolkata - ongoing to this day at the age of 79. He talks frankly and openly about many topics of interest to many people, unveils his personal beliefs; his fears; his philosophies, and his attitudes to religion, the ensemble very often spiced with a sparkling sense of humour.
The book follows a general introduction and a 'Reader's Digest' article, which renders a compelling overview of his daily work.
Author's note: Numerous place names in the city have been changed since this was written, including "Dum Dum" airport in chapter 17, which is now known as "Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport" In order to preserve the originality of the text, I have made no attempt to correct these.
Cossipore Clinic (described in Chapter 4) no longer operates, but four urban clinics currently serve the poor, together with Mobile Clinics, a Street Medicine Programme, two schools, an Arsenic Mitigation Programme, a Vocational Training Programme including Weaving Mills, and a Fair Trade Certified Handicrafts project.
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