Doctor’s Duty Over Disease: How Dr. K.K. Agrawal Served Even After Testing Positive

Dr. Krishna Kumar Agrawal, born on 5 September 1958, rose to prominence as one of India’s leading cardiologists. After completing his medical education at Nagpur University, he joined the faculty of Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi, where he served as a senior consultant.

His medical practice was guided by a principle that the bond between doctor and patient should be based on empathy as much as on clinical expertise. This outlook attracted a large number of economically disadvantaged patients, often forming a steady line outside his Khelgaon clinic.

When the nation faced the COVID‑19 pandemic, Dr. Agrawal pivoted to online platforms, providing real‑time advice on Facebook, Zoom and other digital channels. He demystified the virus, answered doubts about symptoms, and shared preventive measures, helping to calm public anxiety.

Even after his own diagnosis with COVID‑19, he did not retreat. While on an oxygen cylinder, he continued to field queries and encourage patients to stay hopeful, proving that his sense of duty surpassed personal hardship.

A lifelong student of Indian tradition, he frequently cited Mahabharata narratives to illustrate psychological concepts, referring to Lord Krishna as the country’s earliest counselor. He stressed that true health encompasses mental resilience alongside physical treatment.

His service was recognised with the Dr. B. C. Roy Award (2005), the National Science Communication Award, and the Padma Shri award in 2010. Dr. K.K. Agrawal succumbed to the infection on 17 May 2021, leaving behind an indelible mark of selfless medical care.