A Visionary Leader in Ophthalmology
Born in 1935 in Nimbal village, Bijapur district, Karnataka, Padma Shri Dr. Mahipathi Madhwacharya Joshi has made remarkable contributions to the field of ophthalmology. After completing his graduation in Baroda and his post-graduation in Bombay, he trained as a Registrar in Surat and Bombay, gaining invaluable experience alongside a distinguished ophthalmic surgeon. This foundation instilled in him a commitment to quality and excellence.
In a bold move, Dr. Joshi chose Hubli-Dharwad as his ‘Karma Bhumi,’ turning down lucrative offers from various places. At that time, he was one of the first postgraduates in Ophthalmology in Karnataka, and he pioneered the establishment of an exclusive ophthalmic hospital as a consultant doctor. His journey began humbly, marked by relentless effort and dedication, eventually earning him a legendary status in the region for his hard work and high-quality services.
Dr. Joshi’s presence in Hubli-Dharwad proved to be a boon for the community. A self-made man, he started with a small clinic that has now evolved into a prestigious institute with 60 beds and state-of-the-art equipment, staffed by a nationally reputed group of consultants. Today, his institute serves around 400 outpatients and conducts over 50 surgeries daily, positioning Hubli-Dharwad on the ophthalmic map of India. Patients no longer need to seek care elsewhere for complex eye issues, as his institute has become the most reliable center for eye care in the region.
Dr. Joshi’s remarkable selection of personnel and equipment, coupled with his compassionate management style, has led to minimal turnover among staff. His democratic approach fosters a culture that prioritizes uncompromising quality while ensuring affordability for the community. His enduring commitment to building an institution has significantly benefited the public of Hubli-Dharwad.
Recognized for postgraduate training in Ophthalmology by the NBE-New Delhi, Dr. Joshi emphasizes the importance of continued education and technological advancement. He organizes at least two large-scale Continuing Medical Education programs annually and encourages his consultants to present their work at national conferences. His greatest passion lies in mentoring young ophthalmologists, instilling in them the confidence to thrive independently.
A true humanitarian, Dr. Joshi feels a deep sense of responsibility toward the community. He has conducted over 1,211 free eye camps, providing services to over 1.3 million individuals and performing over 300,000 surgeries. Patients attending these camps receive free operations, meals, and travel assistance. Inspired by his ancestors’ legacy of giving sight, Dr. Joshi believes that no one should lose their vision due to financial constraints, ensuring that the quality of care for paying and free patients remains consistent.
His outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed. Dr. Joshi received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the All India Ophthalmological Society for the year 2013-14, an honor bestowed annually on a distinguished eye specialist for exceptional service to society. He was recognized at the AIOS conference in New Delhi in February 2015. Furthermore, he has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri Award by the Government of India for his invaluable contributions to community eye care.
Dr. Mahipathi Madhwacharya Joshi’s legacy is a testament to his unwavering commitment to improving lives through vision restoration and community service, leaving an indelible mark on the field of ophthalmology and the society he serves.
Vice-President Praises M.M. Joshi Eye Institute for Excellence in Eye Care
During the inauguration of the M.M. Joshi Eye Institute- EYESIRI in Hubli, the Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, praised the institute’s dedication to providing world-class eye care services. He commended the hospital’s commitment to enhancing vision and improving lives, recognizing its significant role in advancing healthcare in Karnataka. The Vice-President also lauded the efforts of the M.M. Joshi Eye Institute team for their contribution to eye health and their relentless pursuit of medical excellence.