Dr Dexter biography english 26

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Dr. Dexter Patel – Fighting Sickle Cell Disorder Through Awareness, Prevention & Community Service

I am Dr. Dexter Patel, son of Daudbhai Bhurabhai Patel, born in the tribal village of Talodra, in Jhagadia Taluka, Bharuch District, Gujarat. I completed my MBBS from Government Medical College, Surat, affiliated with Veer Narmad South Gujarat University.

Since 2002, I have been serving as an Insurance Medical Officer (Class II) at ESIS, Ankleshwar, delivering healthcare and social welfare services to industrial workers across Bharuch and Ankleshwar.

Coming from a tribal background, I have personally witnessed the devastating impact of Sickle Cell Disorder—a painful and life-altering inherited blood condition that remains highly prevalent among tribal communities. As there is currently no universally curative solution accessible to all affected populations, early detection, genetic counseling, screening, and community awareness remain among the most effective public health approaches to reduce disease burden and support prevention.

With this vision, I founded and currently serve as the President of the Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation, an organization dedicated to:

Creating awareness about Sickle Cell Disorder

Providing education and counseling

Supporting affected tribal communities

Promoting screening and preventive practices

Encouraging informed health decisions for future generations

For the past 14 years, our foundation has worked continuously at the grassroots level to spread awareness across tribal regions of Gujarat.

Our Monthly Free Services

Under the banner of Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation, we organize free awareness and guidance clinics for Sickle Cell Disease Warriors, including:

Investigation and screening guidance

Treatment support

Medicines

Vaccination support

Counseling and rehabilitation guidance

Clinic Schedule:

1st Sunday: Sickle Cell Margdarshan Kendra, Prakruti General Hospital, Kodba, Dediapada (Narmada District – tribal region near the Gujarat–Maharashtra border)

2nd Sunday: Talodra Village, Jhagadia Taluka, Bharuch (my native village)

To date, our team has organized more than 700 awareness camps in schools, colleges, villages, and public forums in collaboration with government agencies and local institutions.

These programs provide:

Free counseling

Screening awareness

Educational sessions

Community engagement activities

As someone belonging to the same community affected by this disorder, this mission is both personal and professional.

I strongly believe that through community participation, medical awareness, and preventive education, we can break the cycle of transmission and protect future generations.

With the continued efforts of the Sickle Cell Awareness Foundation, and support from healthcare professionals, government agencies, and local leaders, I remain committed to the vision of a Sickle Cell–aware, healthier India—starting with the most vulnerable tribal communities.

This journey is far from over, but every step forward brings us closer to a healthier, informed, and empowered future.

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