Guided by empathy and excellence, Dr Vasudev Dukle has spent over four decades shaping Goa’s healthcare landscape with dedication and heart
Dr Vasudev Dukle, Founder of Dukle Hospital, and Research Centre in Calangute says,“To succeed as a doctor, I consider ability, availability, and accountability or empathy to be the most important qualities, and these are the principles I live by”.
For more than four decades, Dr Dukle has been a trusted name in Goan healthcare. A man whose journey began with humble roots and a steadfast belief in service, he has built a career defined not just by medical excellence but by deep compassion for his patients. His story is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion for healing and it began long before he ever wore a stethoscope.
Early Inspirations
“I recollect an incident in the seventh or eighth standard,” Dr Dukle smiles, “when we were asked to write an essay on what we wanted to become when we grew up. Out of about forty students, only two of us now, Dr Anil Kavlekar and I wrote that we wanted to be doctors. And as fate would have it, only the two of us actually became doctors.”
Born and raised in Calangute, Dr Dukle grew up in a family that valued education and allowed him the freedom to choose his own path. After excelling in school, ranking third in his inter science merit list he went straight into medicine, driven not only by ability but also by inspiration close to home.
“My brother-in-law, Dr Anil Gaunekar, is a family physician,” he recalls. “He earned great respect from people not because of wealth, but because of how warmly he was received wherever he went. Seeing that, I thought, why not become a physician like him?”
Dr Dukle graduated with distinction and even won the D. B. Bandodkar Gold Medal for ‘best student’. Though encouraged by professors, including the late Professor Dhume, to pursue postgraduate studies, he remained committed to his goal of serving as a family physician. “I don’t regret it,” he says firmly. “The respect, the dedication, and the chance to serve those who need help the most, that’s what, drew me to medicine.”
A Journey of Learning and Dedication
Dr Dukle’s educational path was marked by a series of transitions from Marathi-medium schooling to Portuguese classes and later to English education. “I studied in a Marathi school till the fourth standard, then in a Portuguese school for a while, and later joined Little Flower of Jesus High School in Calangute,” he recounts. When the school only offered education up to the seventh standard for boys, he moved to Mapusa and then to Panjim, completing his higher secondary and medical studies with flying colours.
He credits his success to discipline, supportive family members, and the company of good friends. “I was lucky,” he says. “My sisters and
parents supported me completely, and I always surrounded myself with friends who were focused yet fun. Those years laid the foundation for who I became.”
After completing his MBBS in 1978, Dr Dukle immediately began private practice; a bold move for a young doctor in a competitive environment. Starting out in a small room in Calangute, he quickly built trust in the community. “One of my mentors from the Lions Club gave me three golden words: ability, availability, and accountability,” he recalls. “You may be an able doctor, but if you are not available, it doesn’t serve the purpose. You may be able and available, but if you are not empathetic or accountable, it also doesn’t work. These three qualities, if you truly live by them, guarantee success.”
It is a philosophy that continues to guide him to this day. Within just a few years of starting out, he became one of the most respected doctors in the area, known not only for his diagnostic skill but for his unwavering commitment to his patients.
Memorable Moments in Medicine
Dr Dukle’s career is filled with stories that illustrate both the challenges and rewards of practising medicine in Goa’s evolving landscape. One incident, in particular, stands out in his memory. “It was around four in the morning when I got a call from Baga,” he recalls. “Those days, there was no bridge. You either walked through the water at low tide or crossed by canoe. I took my scooter as far as possible and then crossed the creek by canoe.”
On the other side was a pregnant woman suffering from toxemia, her life hanging by a thread. With no transport available, Dr Dukle and his team carefully placed her in a canoe, ferried her across the water, and rushed her to hospital. Both mother and child survived. “That night was one of the most rewarding moments of my career,” he says.
His diagnostic acumen also came into play in some remarkable cases, including several involving rabies, a disease rarely seen today. “In one case, an elderly woman had dizziness and vomiting. Something told me to ask if she had been bitten by a dog. When she said yes and mentioned the dog had died, I gave her a glass of water. She showed classic signs of hydrophobia,” he explains. “It was a moment that reinforced how important clinical intuition is.”
For Dr Dukle, general practice has always been about being at the front line, spotting illnesses early, providing care, and, when necessary, referring patients for specialised treatment. “The satisfaction of diagnosing and helping in time, that’s something unique to family medicine,” he says.
Building a Legacy: The Dukle Hospital and Research Centre
In 2010, after decades of dedicated service, Dr Dukle embarked on a plan to put his father’s dream of starting a hospital into action. Dukle Hospital and Research Centre in Calangute was a turning point that brought new challenges and opportunities.
“Running a hospital is very different from general practice,” he admits. “You have to learn everything; administration, equipment, managing staff. I had to revisit my medical knowledge and study afresh.”
Fortunately, he was supported by experienced colleagues like Dr Ravish Kolvalkar of Galaxy Hospital, surgeon Dr Amit Kalangutkar, and orthopaedic specialist Dr Vishal Dubashi.
Together, they took on complex cases that were once referred elsewhere; including the hospital’s first hip replacement surgery fo
r a foreign patient, which proved a resounding success.
“She sent me photos later from England,” he smiles. “She was walking, dancing, and living her normal life again. That was one of the proudest moments for all of us.”
Today, the hospital is a trusted centre for quality care, supported by a strong family legacy; his daughter-in-law is an anaesthetist, another is a microbiologist, and his daughter is a radiologist. “Their involvement has strengthened our hospital and made it truly multidisciplinary,” he says with pride.
Evolving with Time
Medicine has changed dramatically since Dr Dukle began practising. From handwritten prescriptions to digital diagnostics, from limited facilities to advanced hospital care; the evolution has been immense. “I make it a point to stay updated,” he explains. “I have attended seminars, learned from consultants, and adapted to new practices. Continuous learning is essential for a doctor.” He sees the rise of artificial intelligence and medical technology as both a challenge and an opportunity. “In the future, doctors will work hand in hand with engineers and technical experts,” he says. “Medicine won’t just be about knowledge; it’ll be about integrating technology with empathy. The only thing I regret is that the traditional family physician; the one who visits homes at all hours may slowly disappear. But that’s the price of progress.”
Vision for the Future
Even after decades of success, Dr Dukle remains forward-looking. “We are planning to expand in two key areas,” he shares. “One is a fertility clinic, with IVF facilities, and the other is a comprehensive diabetic centre. I want these to be places where patients can receive everything they need from diagnosis to treatment under one roof.”
His passion for innovation is matched only by his commitment to service. “Our aim has always been to provide quality healthcare at reasonable prices, especially in our own village. That’s what truly gives me happiness.”
Words of Wisdom
For aspiring doctors, Dr Dukle’s advice is simple but profound. “Remember the three As – ability, availability, and accountability,” he emphasises. “Learn properly, be there for your patients, and take responsibility for their care. If you do these three things, success will follow naturally.”
He also stresses empathy and communication. “Treat every patient as if they were your family. Explain their condition, treatment, and possible complications. Good communication builds trust and trust is everything in medicine.”
As for today’s young doctors, he urges patience and perseverance. “Don’t be restless,” he advises. “Everyone wants to succeed quickly, but medicine is about learning, experience, and humanity. Believe in yourself, keep updating your knowledge, and remember your Hippocratic Oath. The rest will fall into place.” From a small clinic in Calangute to a respected hospital serving thousands, Dr Vasudev Dukle’s journey stands as a testament to dedication, humility, and the enduring human spirit. Through ability, availability, and accountability, he has not only built a career but also a legacy of care one that continues to inspire generations of Goan doctors to serve with heart and purpose
