KARACHI, July 22: Glowing tribute was paid to a surgeon, who was described as a "small man but a great person" by his junior colleagues, at a reference held on Thursday evening at the PMA House.

The name of the surgeon was Dr K.B. Khambata who retired recently after serving people for more than three decades.

Speakers on the occasion were almost unanimous in saying that Dr Khambata was what every physician or surgeon should be - kind, devoted and a thorough professional. Rarely in his career did Dr Khambata panic under pressure and there were very few complications in his cases, if any, said the speakers.

Dr Shershah Syed, after briefly describing the veteran doctor's career, said Dr Khambata was one of the few Pakistani doctors who fulfilled, in every possible way, the Hippocratic Oath that he took several decades ago.

He claimed that few professors in the country could match the dedication and professionalism displayed by him. Dr Faridoon Sethna pointed out that Dr Khambata served the Lady Dufferin Hospital for a full 27 years and never asked for anything in return.

Prof Tipu Sultan said every anaesthetist knew if a surgeon was competent or not, whether he panicked under pressure or not. "But after observing Dr Khambata's work for the last so many years, I can proudly say that I never came across complications in Dr Khambata's cases."

Prof Saeed Qureshi said Dr Khambata was always available and always in time. "This is one quality which should be present in every surgeon."

Dr Mohsin Ali on the occasion said Dr Khambata treated him like a young brother. Dr Jamila Aman said she had been Dr Khambata's colleague for about 37 years and found that his heart was in the right place.

"The human aspect in his life is unbelievable. He is so kind that he sometimes left money under the pillows of his needy patients. At the same time, he laughed almost all the time."

Dr Sarwar Siddiqui also praised the veteran surgeon for his generosity and expertise. He explained that he had met Dr Khambata only a couple of days ago, regretting that he should have treated him as a role model.

When Dr Khambata was asked to come to the dais and advise the physicians and surgeons present, there was a loud applause from the audience. In his speech, Dr Khambata claimed that he was a small man who did not merit such a reference.

In an emotionally charged voice, he said every surgeon should do no harm. And he or she should readily acknowledge his or her limitations.

"Only a surgeon who behaves in this way can provide relief to the sick and steer away from doing harm to the people who he or she is supposed to serve."

After his speech, Dr Khambata got a standing ovation as affection made its presence felt.