Doctor turned beauty queen pushes healthcare beyond hospital walls into communities

A physician and beauty pageant titleholder has called for healthcare to move beyond the walls of hospitals, urging doctors to take their work into communities and ensure medical services reach everyone.

Dr. Malini Dasari, who holds the Mrs. India USA 2024 title, made the remarks at Sankalpa Art Village near Peddagadili in Visakhapatnam, where she said her ambition extended beyond pageant recognition toward continued social contribution.

'Walk Beyond the White Coat'

Speaking under the theme "Walk Beyond the White Coat," Dr. Dasari promoted healthcare awareness and encouraged physicians to expand their societal role outside clinical settings. The doctor, who was born, raised, and trained in Visakhapatnam, said she wanted people to lead healthy lives.

Recognition through beauty pageants "was not sufficient," she said, adding that she wanted to keep contributing to society.

Visit to sustainable art village

Dr. Dasari said she learnt about Sankalpa Art Village from friends in the U.S. and decided to visit the site. She praised its natural farming practices, food products, textiles made with natural dyes, wooden toys, traditionally extracted oils, and medicinal plants.

The event was attended by her mother Dasari Lakshmi Kumari, her daughters Samaikya and Samaina, Sankalpa Art Village representative Parvati, founders Akula Chalapathi Rao and Jamilia, natural farmer Naresh, Action Aid representative I. Krishna Kumari, Green Climate Team NGO founder-secretary J.V. Ratnam, and coordinator Bhaskar.

Source: The Hindu