The Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons (LCPS) has conferred its Honorary Fellowship in Medicine on business tycoon and philanthropist Dr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva, widely known as Jeety. The college cited decades of humanitarian service and contributions to healthcare, specialist medical services, and efforts to extend care to underserved communities in Liberia. Jeety was admitted as an Honorary Fellow during the 10th Annual General and Scientific Meeting and Convocation Ceremony on September 18 at the Ministerial Complex in Monrovia.
The LCPS, Liberia's postgraduate medical training institution, has trained more than 166 Liberian specialists since its establishment. In a letter dated September 1, the college described Jeety's record as one marked by humanitarian service, philanthropy, and a sustained commitment to the well-being of Liberians. The college highlighted his support for health initiatives, vulnerable populations, education, and community development. Jeety's contributions have made a significant impact on the country's healthcare sector.
Jeety's humanitarian work in Liberia spans nearly four decades, during which he has supported various initiatives, including the development of the Liberia Eye Center at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center through a partnership with the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute. He has also provided assistance to healthcare workers and institutions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeety's efforts have not gone unnoticed, with the LCPS recognizing his outstanding humanitarian leadership and philanthropy.
The Honorary Fellowship is not just a recognition of Jeety's past work but also a challenge for him to continue his contributions to Liberia's healthcare sector. Jeety has expressed his commitment to deepening his involvement in the health system, particularly in the area of eye care. He plans to expand specialist healthcare services beyond Monrovia, making it more accessible to rural communities.
One of Jeety's major initiatives is the expansion of the 50-bed health center in Weala into a surgical facility with four operating theatres and a dedicated eye unit. The eye unit will occupy approximately 6,000 square feet and will be equipped to manage common eye conditions encountered in Liberia. The facility aims to provide specialist services closer to communities that have traditionally had limited access to them.
Jeety's experience during the COVID-19 pandemic gave him a firsthand view of the commitment of Liberian health workers, particularly doctors and other professionals who continued working through extraordinary circumstances. He has expressed his gratitude to the team whose skill and commitment convert his support into healing. Jeety's contributions to Liberia's healthcare sector have made a significant impact on the country's medical future.
The expansion of specialist healthcare services in Weala will also include an outreach component, with a mobile eye-care service expected to travel into communities with equipment for screening and examination. Patients requiring surgery or further intervention can then be referred to the Weala facility. Jeety's initiative aims to enable people in rural communities to access quality eye care closer to their homes.
Key points
- Jeety receives Honorary Fellowship from Liberia's medical body for decades of contributions to health sector
- LCPS cites Jeety's humanitarian service, philanthropy, and commitment to the well-being of Liberians
- Jeety plans to expand specialist healthcare services beyond Monrovia, making it more accessible to rural communities
