![\"Employer](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-132680330,imgsize-152824,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/employer-pays-45-lakh-for-drivers-surgery-calls-him-colleague.jpg\" "\\"Representative")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDr Prashant Mishra, a leading cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon based in Mumbai, had one of those life-changing moments in the middle of a routine conversation. After a successful bypass surgery, he called his patient\u2019s employer to share the good news. But the employer\u2019s response really made his day.<\/p>\n For Dr Mishra, talking to the kin post-surgery was routine, but this one case changed everything for him. The patient, Mr Shukla, arrived at Thunga Hospital needing bypass surgery. He worked as a driver, and so the surgeon did what he thought was practical. The procedure at the hospital would cost around Rs 4.25 lakh, so the doctor suggested that Mr Shukla explore a government hospital where the surgery could be performed free. \u201cSince he worked as a driver and the procedure at our hospital costs around Rs 4.25 lakh, I advised him to go to a civic (BMC) hospital where the surgery could be performed free of cost through a government scheme,\u201d Dr Mishra said in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter).That evening, Shukla\u2019s son called Dr Mishra back. \u201cDoctor, we would prefer to get the surgery done here at Thunga Hospital only. Please help us reduce the cost as much as possible,\u201d the son said. Dr Mishra assured him that he would do whatever he could to help them.<\/p>\n Representative image generated using AI <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The next day, the surgery was performed, and it was successful. Shukla\u2019s boss also transferred the full amount directly to the hospital via RTGS. Following the surgery, Dr Mishra called the employer to share the news. The employer\u2019s response was immediate. \u201cThank you, Doctor, for taking such good care of my colleague.\u201dThat word stopped Dr Mishra mid-breath. He pressed. \u201cColleague? But he mentioned he works as your driver.\u201d What came next was the kind of answer that doesn\u2019t make headlines in boardrooms or business schools, but maybe should.\u201cDoctor, we work together,\u201d Shukla\u2019s employer said. Dr Mishra asked again, \u201cI understand, but isn\u2019t he your driver?\u201d This time, Shukla\u2019s employer took a moment to gently explain. \u201cHe has been with me for 15 years, and I don\u2019t see him as just my driver. I work, and he works. We simply hold different roles in our daily life, but we work together. His job is different from mine, but we are colleagues.\u201dThose words left Dr Mishra speechless. It made him rethink the entire hierarchy of human work, and what workplace dignity really means.\u201cI was completely speechless. The lesson learned: never look down on your domestic help or staff as mere \u2018servants\u2019. They are the ones who keep our lives running smoothly, and they deserve equal respect and dignity,\u201d Dr Mishra concluded the post.<\/p>\n Dr Mishra\u2019s post has garnered significant attention over the past few days. It has sparked a broad conversation about workplace dignity and hierarchy. Blue-collar workers, including domestic staff, drivers, cleaners, and service staff, are often subjected to poor treatment. Some X users shared their stories of how they treat their household help. One user revealed that he started an SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) for his domestic help. \u201cI started an SIP for my domestic help, with the hope that the SIP money will grow and, when they retire from my work after 10\u201312 years, I shall be in a position to offer a small lump sum amount to them. The way we salaried people get a retirement corpus\u2014I want my domestic help to get the same.\u201d Another pointed out that society often fails to treat people in certain jobs with the dignity they deserve. \u201cAbsolutely, Doctor! Only very few would understand this… our society is built on such a foundation that lacked dignity of labour a long time back, and even now!\u201d a second commented.<\/div>\nThe call that changed everything<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
![\"Mumbai](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-132680399\/mumbai-doctor-recounts-the-incidentbr.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Employer](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-132680330\/employer-pays-4-5-lakh-for-drivers-surgery-calls-him-colleague.jpg\" "\\"Representative")
<\/p>\nInternet reacts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n