In his 25 years of dedicated service in rural healthcare, Dr. Ashok Sharma chose patient care over administrative roles, even at the cost of promotions. His selfless contributions extend to social causes too, from providing free medical aid during the farmers' protest to personally funding the care of over 70 stray cows.

Dr. Ashok Sharma, a Senior Medical Officer at the Community Health Center in Badgaon, Udaipur has devoted over 25 years of his life to serving in rural healthcare across Rajasthan.

As a Government Doctor, SMO Ashok Sharma has been posted in multiple locations, but he has always prioritised patient care over administrative roles. His journey in public healthcare began with his first posting in Kanor, a remote village 70 km from Udaipur. Over the years, he has served in various rural healthcare centers in Rajasthan, ensuring that quality medical services reach the underserved communities.

With only seven years left until retirement, Dr. Ashok Sharma remains steadfast in his mission to provide direct patient care rather than moving into administrative roles. Despite being eligible for promotions several times, he chose to stay in roles that allowed him to treat patients daily. He believes that real fulfillment in the medical field comes not from titles or official designations but from the connection with patients and the impact made in their lives.

Young doctors, he observes, often struggle to adapt to rural postings after medical school. The transition from urban medical facilities to rural hospitals can be overwhelming, causing many to opt for private sector jobs instead. However, he strongly believes that true healthcare service is about embracing these challenges and dedicating oneself to the community.

Apart from his government service, Dr. Sharma’s passion extends beyond medicine—he is deeply involved in social causes and animal welfare in Rajasthan.

During the Farmers' Protest at the Singhu Border in Delhi in 2020-21, Dr. Sharma took a bold step by resigning from his job to provide free medical aid to farmers for 100 days. Living in his car, carrying medicines, and sharing the same hardships as the protestors, he provided continuous healthcare services. This act of selfless service reflects his unwavering dedication to helping those in need. Now, he is back to work because the Rajasthan government cancelled his voluntary retirement.

As an animal lover, he has been caring for over 70 stray cows in Udaipur for the past 15 years. Many of these cows were abandoned on the streets, but Dr. Sharma provides them with shelter, food, and care on his farm, funding their needs entirely from his salary. His monthly expenses for cow welfare exceed ₹1.5 lakh, but he believes in the joy of giving, choosing to live a simple lifestyle while dedicating his resources to animal rescue and welfare in Rajasthan.

When asked about his achievements, Dr. Sharma says he considers the love and trust of the people his greatest achievement. Whenever he was transferred, local communities protested to retain him, often organizing public demonstrations demanding cancellation of transfer orders. This unwavering support from patients and villagers highlights the profound impact he has made in their lives.

Though he has not been conferred with formal government awards, his reputation as an honest doctor who refuses corruption and private practice is a badge of honor in itself for him. In a time when healthcare corruption in India is a pressing issue, he takes pride in maintaining ethics and integrity in his profession.

Recalling his early years, Dr. Ashok Sharma shares that he completed his schooling in Kota before pursuing PMT and subsequent MBBS from RNT Medical College, Udaipur, one of the leading medical colleges in Rajasthan. His entry into government medical service exposed him to the harsh realities of rural healthcare in India—from the lack of infrastructure to the language barriers that made doctor-patient communication challenging.

For young professionals considering a career in government healthcare, Dr. Sharma offers a candid perspective. He emphasizes that public healthcare jobs in India require a service-oriented mindset, not just financial ambitions. Many enter the medical field with the expectation of recouping their educational expenses quickly. However, he advises that true success in medicine comes from long-term commitment and service—not from short-term monetary gains.

Government Doctor Ashok Sharma opines that those unwilling to embrace the realities of government healthcare should consider the private sector instead. He warns against government doctors running private clinics, stating that such dual practices defeat the purpose of working in public healthcare.

Udaipur based Dr. Ashok Sharma draws deep inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of selfless service and simplicity he follows. Having traveled to eight different countries, he always asks one question to foreigners—"Which Indian do you know?" Every time, the answer is Mahatma Gandhi—a testament to Gandhi’s global impact and a reminder of how one individual can inspire change.

His leadership style is equally distinctive. At his medical center, he believes in recognizing the smallest contributions. Unlike traditional flag-hoisting ceremonies on national festivals like Independence Day and Republic Day, where senior officials take center stage, he ensures that sanitation workers and fourth-class employees—the unsung heroes of public healthcare—are given the honor of raising the flag. This inclusive leadership approach fosters team spirit, respect, and equality among all staff members.

Dr. Ashok Sharma’s life and career serve as an inspiration to government doctors, medical students, and social workers across India. His commitment to rural healthcare, ethical medical practices, volunteer work, and animal welfare embodies the true spirit of public service.

His story is a powerful reminder that true success is not measured in wealth or titles but in the lives touched and the communities transformed. As he nears retirement, his legacy as a compassionate and ethical doctor remains etched in the hearts of those he has served.

For those aspiring to join the medical field in India, Dr. Ashok Sharma's journey is a lesson in dedication, integrity, and selfless service. His work in rural healthcare in Rajasthan, his commitment to patient welfare, and his contributions to animal care make him a true changemaker.

If you're looking for inspiration on how to make a difference as a government doctor, his #MeriKahani is worth listening to.